‘I’m more than happy to talk to Police’, Says Andrew Wynne accused of plotting to topple Tinubu

Andrew Wynne, a Briton recently declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly plotting to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Tinubu, has responded to the allegations.

In an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Wynne denied any wrongdoing and asserted that he is not evading the law. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with Nigerian authorities, stating, “I am not aware that I am a fugitive or running from the law. I have been visiting Nigeria for 25 years and have operated a bookshop at the NLC offices in central Abuja for seven years, during which the security forces have shown no interest in me.”

Wynne added, “I hold only one nationality, and the name on my passport is Andrew Wynne, with a nickname. I am more than happy to speak with the police, have a discussion on WhatsApp or Zoom, or even meet with officials from the Nigerian High Commission in London. If they wish to start a conversation, I am fully open to it.”

Wynne’s Nigerian wife also spoke to Channels Television, insisting that her husband is being falsely accused. She suggested that the real motive behind the allegations is a financial dispute with a Nigerian individual who owes her husband money and is attempting to force Wynne out of the country to avoid repayment.

“We have been together for nine years, eight years as friends before getting married last year. My husband has never been involved in terrorism. He is being falsely accused because a man named Mr. Olumide, who owes him, is trying to intimidate him and get him expelled from the country,” she said. “The case is currently in court, and my husband only returned to the UK because his visa expired. He would have returned to Nigeria around the end of September if not for these issues.”

Earlier on Monday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi briefed journalists in Abuja, accusing Wynne of establishing a network of sleeper cells to destabilize the country and overthrow the government. Adejobi stated, “The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of foreign nationals and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change.”

According to Adejobi, nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the plot, which allegedly involved funding violent protests, spreading false information, and engaging in other unlawful activities to create chaos and justify their illegal plans.

Adejobi further claimed that Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, rented space at Labour House in Abuja for an “Iva Valley Bookshop” and established “STARS of Nations Schools” as covers for his subversive activities. Wynne and his local coordinator, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have reportedly fled the country and have been declared wanted, with a global manhunt underway.

The Force PRO also accused Wynne of providing financial and operational support to the alleged plot to topple Nigeria’s elected government.