On Monday, the Nigerian police high command declared Andrew Wynne, a British national also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government led by President Bola Tinubu.
According to reports, the police said they have launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of foreign mercenaries and subversive elements accused of conspiring to destabilize Nigeria’s democratically elected government.
The police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this at Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He revealed that Wynne had rented space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities.
Adejobi stated that documentary evidence and confessions indicated that Wynne issued directives and monitored the progress of the August protest aimed at destabilizing the country.
He also alleged that the British national provided financial and operational support to achieve an unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a foreign national and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country,” said Adejobi.
“Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize 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.”
This development follows the recent arrest of several Polish nationals by the Department of State Services (DSS) during protests in Kano.
The Polish authorities later clarified that their citizens had no involvement in the Nigerian protest, stating they were in Kano for an exchange course at Bayero University. The detained individuals were released after weeks in custody.
