Breaking news: British national Andrew Wynne wanted by Police attempted to overthrow President Tinubu.

The Nigeria Police have issued a wanted notice for Andrew Wynne, a British national accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Wynne is alleged to have supported the EndBadgovernance protests that shook the country from August 1 to 10, 2024.

The Nigerian Police Authority reported that since the investigation began, Wynne has fled the country. Both he and his local coordinator, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, are now sought internationally as part of the ongoing probe.

Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police Force, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, stated on Monday that, following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine individuals have been arrested for receiving significant foreign funding to destabilize Nigeria.

The investigation reveals that these individuals orchestrated and financed violent protests, spread false information, and engaged in illegal activities to incite chaos and justify their attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government.

The inquiry has pinpointed Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey) as a key foreign operative. Wynne allegedly created a network of sleeper cells to undermine the government and incite disorder. He is said to have rented space at Labour House in Abuja for an “Iva Valley Bookshop” and established the “STARS of Nations Schools” as a front for his activities.

Evidence and confessions have shown that Wynne directed operations, provided financial support, and guided efforts to achieve an unconstitutional regime change. He is accused of channeling billions of naira to his Nigerian partners, encouraging them to incite violent attacks on police stations and military bases, aiming to provoke international criticism of the Nigerian government.

These actions breach the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws. The ten suspects already detained were arraigned on September 2, 2024, on charges including Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime. The suspects are Angel Love Innocent (Female), Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Michael Tobitoba Adaramoye aka Leni, Suleiman Yakubu, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Abayomi Adeyemi, Abdulsalam Zubairu (M), Nuradeen Hamis, and Bashir Bello.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has condemned these actions and activated INTERPOL and other global networks to aid in the search for the fugitives. He assured the public that the Force is committed to addressing any threats to national security and peace, while respecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. The IGP also advised the public to remain vigilant against those who exploit protests for personal gain or ideological purposes.