Nigeria Police Declare British National Wanted Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu's Government

 

The Nigeria Police Force has declared Andrew Wynne, a British citizen also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, wanted for allegedly orchestrating a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government. The announcement was made amid growing concerns about foreign interference and subversive activities aimed at destabilizing Nigeria's democratic institutions.

Allegations Against Andrew Wynne

The Nigerian Police have launched a thorough investigation into Wynne's activities, alleging that he was involved in a conspiracy involving foreign mercenaries to execute an unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this development at a press briefing held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

According to Adejobi, Wynne had rented a space at Labour House in Abuja under the guise of running a business called "Iva Valley Bookshop" and established "STARS of Nations Schools" as a front for his alleged subversive activities. This, the police believe, was part of a broader strategy to infiltrate and destabilize the country's political framework.

Evidence and Confessions

Adejobi further revealed that substantial documentary evidence, along with confessions from those apprehended, indicates Wynne’s active involvement in directing and overseeing the execution of protests in August. The senior police officer stated that Wynne allegedly provided financial support and operational strategies to groups intent on causing civil unrest and ultimately achieving an unconstitutional change in Nigeria's leadership.

"The Nigeria Police Force has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a foreign national and subversive elements conspiring to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through an unconstitutional regime change," Adejobi said. He emphasized that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are committed to uncovering the extent of the plot and preventing any attempts to disrupt national peace and stability.

Ongoing Investigations and Arrests

The police have already detained nine suspects who were allegedly part of the plot and received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country. Preliminary investigations suggest that these individuals were involved in organizing and funding violent protests, spreading misinformation, and engaging in other illegal activities designed to create chaos and justify their plan to overthrow the government.

"Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended. These suspects received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country," Adejobi added. "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."

Implications and Next Steps

The declaration of Andrew Wynne as a wanted person by the Nigerian Police underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating this alleged threat to national security. The police have called on the public to provide any information that could lead to his arrest and are working closely with international law enforcement agencies to track his movements.

As the investigation continues, the Nigerian government remains vigilant in its efforts to protect the country’s democratic institutions and ensure that any attempts to undermine the rule of law are swiftly and effectively countered. The outcome of this high-profile investigation could have significant implications for Nigeria’s internal security policies and its relations with foreign nations.