Nigeria Police Force has issued a wanted notice for a British national, Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, and a Nigerian, Lucky Obiyan, over alleged conspiracy to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
The police have accused Wynne of organizing a network of sleeper cells aimed at destabilizing the Nigerian government and creating widespread chaos.
In a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that Wynne had leased a property at Labour House, where he set up a school as a facade for his activities.
Police statement on Andrew Wynne and Lucky Obiyan’s wanted notice
“The Nigeria Police Force has initiated a thorough investigation into the activities of foreign nationals and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional means and instigating violence across the country.
“After extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been arrested, having received substantial financial support from foreign sources to destabilize the nation.
“Preliminary findings suggest that these individuals orchestrated and funded violent protests, spread false information, and engaged in various illegal activities to incite chaos and legitimize their unlawful attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government.
“Investigations have identified a foreign mercenary, Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey), a British national, who established a network of sleeper cells with the intent to topple the government and plunge the country into disorder. He rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and founded ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ to cover his subversive activities.”
Adejobi revealed that documentary evidence and confessions showed Wynne provided both financial and operational support for the alleged plot to overthrow the Nigerian government.
“Documentary evidence and confessions have indicated that Andrew Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, and provided financial and operational guidance aimed at achieving unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.
“He mobilized and allocated several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to incite the public to violently attack police facilities and military barracks, with the intention of triggering a bloodbath that would draw international condemnation of the Nigerian government. These actions are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other pertinent laws.”
“Since the investigation began, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. Both he and one of his local coordinators, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have been declared wanted, and a global manhunt has been initiated in connection with this investigation,” the FPRO concluded.
