‘I run a bookshop at NLC office in Abuja,’ British national expresses worry over being declared top fugitive
A British citizen has expressed confusion over why the Federal Government have accused him of plotting to overthrow Nigeria’s government and have placed a bounty on his head.
According to a statement from Nigeria’s police spokesperson on Monday, Andrew Wynne and a co-conspirator allegedly established a network of sleeper cells aimed at destabilizing the country and subsequently fled Nigeria following last month’s cost-of-living protests.
Speaking from the UK, Wynne told Channels Television that he was unaware of these accusations and would be willing to discuss the matter with officials. He mentioned that he runs a bookshop in Abuja and has visited Nigeria for 25 years without any issues.
The Nigerian police have offered a reward of 10 million naira (approximately $6,000 or £5,000) for information leading to Wynne’s arrest, and the same amount for his alleged accomplice, Lucky Obiyan.
“I am more than happy to talk with the police; I am more than happy to have a discussion on WhatsApp or Zoom; I am more than happy to go to London and meet with officials from the Nigerian High Commission,” said Mr Wynne, who is also known by the name Andrew Povich.
He was declared a fugitive on the same day that 10 Nigerians were charged with treason in connection with the protests referred to as “10 Days of Rage.” These demonstrations, which were largely organized via social media, also had support from the country’s trade unions.
In the federal high court on Monday, all the accused faced charges of treason, destruction of public property, and assaulting police officers, and they pleaded not guilty. The charges also included allegations of collaboration with Mr. Wynne.
Subsequently, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi provided additional details about Mr. Wynne. He claimed that Wynne had rented a space at Abuja’s Labour House, the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and had established a school as a cover for his alleged activities aimed at overthrowing President Bola Tinubu’s government.
“I am not aware that I am a fugitive; I am not aware that I am running away from the law,” Mr Wynne told Channels TV.
“I have had a bookshop at the NLC offices right at the centre of Abuja for seven years and all that time, of course the security forces have paid no interest in me,” he said.
The August demonstrations turned violent in some places as protesters clashed with security forces leaving at least seven dead, according to police, though rights groups have put the death toll at 23.