The Nigerian Police Force has declared Andrew Wynne, also known by the aliases Andrew Povich and Drew Povey, a British citizen, wanted for allegedly orchestrating a plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released on Monday from Force Headquarters in Abuja, Police Spokesman Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi announced a comprehensive investigation into the activities of foreign mercenaries and other groups accused of attempting to destabilize the democratically elected government of Nigeria.
According to Adejobi, Andrew Wynne rented a space at Labour House in Abuja, where he set up the ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and founded the ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as fronts for his alleged 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.
