The Nigerian Police Force has declared a British national, Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, and a Nigerian, Lucky Obiyan, wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Tinubu.
The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, accusing Wynne of orchestrating a network of sleeper cells designed to destabilize the nation.
“The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of foreign nationals and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country,” Adejobi stated.
Adejobi disclosed that nine suspects have already been apprehended in connection with the plot, revealing that they received substantial financial support from foreign sources aimed at destabilizing the country.
“Preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests, disseminated false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow the democratically elected government,” he added.
The investigation, according to Adejobi, has identified Wynne, a British national, as a key figure in the conspiracy.
“Documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Andrew Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, and provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria,” Adejobi said.
Wynne is accused of mobilizing and deploying several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, with instructions to incite violent protests targeting police and military facilities, aiming to provoke a bloodbath and international condemnation of the Nigerian government.
Wynne is also said to have rented a space at Labour House in Abuja under the guise of an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities.
Since the commencement of the investigation, Wynne has fled Nigeria, with his local coordinator, Obiyan, also evading arrest.
“Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and one of his local coordinators, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have accordingly been declared wanted, and a global hunt for them has commenced in connection with this investigation,” Adejobi confirmed.
The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and dismantle the network of individuals involved in the plot.
The Force has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.