On Monday, the Nigerian Police revealed the identity of a British citizen, Andrew Wynne, who is allegedly plotting to overthrow Nigeria’s democratically elected president, Bola Tinubu.

According to the police, documentary evidence and confessions have shown that Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, and provided finance and operational guidance to achieve an unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria. The police have consequently declared him wanted, alongside his local coordinator, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan from Edo State. A global manhunt for the suspects has since been initiated as part of the ongoing investigation.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Force PRO, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said investigations had identified Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, as a foreign mercenary. Wynne, a British national, is alleged to have built a network of sleeper cells aimed at toppling the government and plunging the nation into chaos.

Adejobi stated, “The police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the foreign national and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country.”

He further disclosed that nine suspects have been apprehended following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies. These suspects allegedly received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilise 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.

Adejobi also revealed that Wynne rented a space at Labour House in Abuja for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities. It is alleged that Wynne mobilised and deployed several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to incite the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, with the expectation of a bloodbath that would provoke international condemnation of the Nigerian government.

These actions, Adejobi said, are clear violations of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.

“Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and his local coordinator, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have accordingly been declared wanted, and a global hunt for them has begun in connection with this investigation,” Adejobi continued.

The ten other suspects already apprehended were arraigned before a competent court of law on Monday, 2nd September 2024, on charges including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The suspects are identified as Angel Love Innocent (F), Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon (M), Michael Tobitoba Adaramoye AKA Leni (M), Suleiman Yakubu (M), Buhari Lawal (M), Mosiu Sadiq (M), Abayomi Adeyemi (M), Abdulsalam Zubairu (M), Nuradeen Hamis (M), and Bashir Bello (M).

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, condemned the activities of the group and activated INTERPOL tools and other global policing networks to support ongoing domestic investigations aimed at locating and apprehending the suspects still at large.

The IG assured the public that the Force would leave no stone unturned in bringing to justice any individual or group threatening Nigeria’s national security and peace or promoting any movement aimed at overthrowing the country’s democratic government through unconstitutional means.

Egbetokun emphasised the police’s commitment to protecting citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed fundamental and democratic rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. However, he warned citizens to be wary of subversive elements who exploit and commercialise protests for personal financial and ideological gains.

Regarding the alleged involvement of NLC President Joe Ajero in terrorism financing and other crimes, Adejobi clarified that the police invitation extended to certain individuals within the NLC leadership was unrelated to rights advocacy. Rather, it was aimed at clarifying the relationship between these individuals and Andrew Wynne, who is also accused of financing terrorism in Nigeria.

Adejobi added, “Following the interaction between the police investigation team and the NLC president, there is now a clearer understanding of the focus of the ongoing investigation and the extent of Andrew Wynne’s subversive network and activities. No nation will tolerate attempts by foreign elements to interfere in its internal affairs, threaten national security, and fund local elements to instigate uprisings aimed at destabilising the country and promoting unconstitutional regime change.”

The IG appealed for the cooperation and support of all law-abiding citizens in the ongoing investigation and promised that anyone with information leading to the arrest of any of the suspects declared wanted would be appreciated and rewarded handsomely.