Andrew Wynne, a British national declared wanted by the Nigerian Police for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has denied the allegations. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wynne claimed he was unaware of being labeled a fugitive and was willing to cooperate with the police. He stated that he had been visiting Nigeria for 25 years and had a bookshop in Abuja, with no previous interest from security forces. Wynne’s wife also denied the allegations, attributing them to a personal vendetta by Olumide Inokunye.
The Nigerian Police had accused Wynne of building a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos, offering a N20m bounty for information leading to his arrest. However, Wynne maintained that he was not involved in any subversive activities and was willing to discuss the matter with the police or meet with officials from the Nigerian High Commission in London.
The police had also declared Lucky Obiyan, a Nigerian, wanted in connection with the alleged plot. The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the police had launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of Wynne and other subversive elements, with nine suspects apprehended so far. The police accused Wynne of mobilizing billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, violating the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had reached out to international bodies to support the ongoing domestic investigations aimed at locating and apprehending the suspects. The police assured the public that they would leave no stone unturned in dealing with and bringing to justice any individual or group threatening national security and peace.
