The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has declared a British mercenary, Andrew Wynne, and his Nigerian accomplice, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, wanted for their involvement in a plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. Wynne, who is reported to have multiple identities, is accused of collaborating with local subversive elements to destabilize the country through unconstitutional means.
In a press briefing held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that nine suspects have already been apprehended in connection with the plot. These individuals allegedly received substantial financial support from foreign sources to orchestrate violence and sow chaos across Nigeria during the recent ten-day nationwide protests against hunger.
“Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, we have uncovered a network of subversive elements led by Andrew Wynne, a British national operating under multiple aliases. Wynne is believed to have orchestrated and funded violent protests, disseminated false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities aimed at creating anarchy and justifying their illegal plot to overthrow the democratically elected government,” Adejobi stated.
Wynne is reported to have rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, under the guise of operating an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and establishing ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as covers for his subversive activities. Documentary evidence and confessions from the arrested suspects indicate that Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, and provided financial and operational support to achieve his goal of unconstitutional regime change.
Since the commencement of investigations, Wynne has fled the country. The police have declared both Wynne and Obiyan wanted, launching a global hunt to bring them to justice. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has activated INTERPOL tools and other global policing networks to support the ongoing investigations.
The ten suspects already in custody have been arraigned in court on charges of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime. The police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in dealing with any individual or group threatening national security or promoting unconstitutional regime change.
The NPF has also clarified that the recent invitation of certain individuals within the NLC leadership is not related to rights advocacy but to establish connections between them and Wynne’s subversive network. The police have urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that any attempt by foreign elements to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs will not be tolerated.
The Inspector-General assured the public that the police remain committed to protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free expression, while also warning against those who might weaponize protests for personal or ideological gains.