The police high command, on Monday, declared Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey), a British national, wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government being led by President Bola Tinubu.
It said the Force has specifically launched a comprehensive investigation on how foreign mercenaries and those it described as subversive elements plotted to overthrow the democratically-elected government of Nigeria.
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The spokesman of the force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this at Force Headquarters, Abuja said the British rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities.
Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner Commissioner of Police, told journalists that documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Andrew Wynne issued directives and monitored progress of the August protest.
Also, Nigerian, Lucky Obiyan, is wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the democratically elected government in the country.
The senior police officer added that the foreigner provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.
“He mobilised and deployed several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to mobilise the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that would instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian government. These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws,” the FPRO added.
Adejobi said Wynne and his local coordinator, Obiyan, had fled the country.
He said, “Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and one of his local coordinators, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have accordingly been declared wanted, and global hunting for them has commenced in connection with this investigation.”
“Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize 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.”
The development comes after the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested some poles in Kano during the protest.
Polish authorities had said their citizens had nothing to do with the Nigerian protest where flags were waved and were in Kano for an exchange course at Bayero University, Kano.
However, they were released after weeks in detention.
The police had also invited Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), over British National, who is a tenant at Labour House, Abuja.
Although, Ajaero honoured the invitation last week, the police reinvited him.
Daily Trust/ Punch
