The Nigerian Police Force has issued a wanted notice for Andrew Wynne, a British national also known as Andrew Povich and Drew Povey, on charges of allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.
In a statement from Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Police Spokesman Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi announced an extensive investigation into the activities of foreign mercenaries and other groups suspected of trying to destabilize Nigeria’s democratically elected government.
Adejobi revealed that Wynne had rented a space at Labour House in Abuja, where he established the ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and founded the ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as fronts for his purported subversive activities.
“Documentary evidence and confessions obtained during the investigation indicate that Andrew Wynne issued directives and monitored the progress of the protests in August,” said Adejobi.
“He is believed to have provided both financial and operational support with the intent to execute an unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.”
Adejobi further elaborated on the police’s findings, noting that “nine suspects have already been apprehended” as part of the investigation. These individuals, he said, “received significant financial backing from foreign sources aimed at destabilizing the country.”
“Their activities,” Adejobi added, “included orchestrating and funding violent protests, disseminating false information, and engaging in other unlawful actions designed to incite anarchy and justify their illegal plot to topple the government.”
The investigation follows a recent incident involving the Department of State Services which detained several Polish nationals in Kano during a protest.
The Polish government later clarified that their citizens were in Nigeria for an exchange programme at Bayero University, Kano, and had no involvement in the demonstrations. The detained individuals were released after several weeks.
In a related development, the police also summoned Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for questioning regarding the British national who was operating as a tenant at Labour House, Abuja.
Ajaero complied with the initial invitation last week, but was called in for further questioning.
The police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining public order and safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions amid growing concerns about foreign interference in domestic affairs.
