The Nigeria Police Force has announced that Andrew Wynn, a British national wanted for alleged subversive activities and terrorism financing, has refused to surrender for questioning.
During a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that despite being summoned multiple times by the police, Wynn failed to respond to the invitations.
Adejobi added that Wynn fled the country to avoid arrest after ignoring these repeated invitations.
This development contrasts with Wynn’s statement on Monday, in which he claimed he was willing to cooperate with authorities.
In an interview with Channels Television, Wynn denied any wrongdoing and asserted that he is not evading the law and is prepared to work with Nigerian authorities.
“I am not aware that I am a fugitive or running away from the law. I have been visiting Nigeria for 25 years and operated a bookshop at the NLC offices in the center of Abuja for seven years, during which time the security forces showed no interest in me.
“I have only one nationality, and the name on my passport is Andrew Wynne, with a nickname. I am more than willing to talk with the police, whether on WhatsApp, Zoom, or even in person in London at the Nigerian High Commission. If they want to initiate a conversation, I am fully open to that,” Wynne said.
‘My husband is falsely accused’
Wynn’s Nigerian wife also spoke to Channels Television, insisting that her husband is being falsely accused.
She alleged that the charges of attempting to overthrow the government, as cited by the police, are not the true reason for her husband’s troubles.
According to her, a Nigerian individual who owes her husband is behind the accusations, seeking to have Wynn expelled from the country to avoid repaying the debt.
“We have been together for nine years, with eight years of friendship before we finally married last year. My husband is falsely accused; he has never been a terrorist. The accusations stem from one Mr. Olumide, who owes him money and is trying to intimidate him and have him removed from the country,” she said.
“The case is currently in court. My husband returned to the UK because his visa was expiring, and if not for all this, he would have been back around late September.”
Sleeper Cells
Earlier on Monday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, accused Wynn of establishing a network of sleeper cells aimed at creating chaos and overthrowing the government.
“The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of foreign nationals and subversive elements plotting to undermine Nigeria’s democratically elected government through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrated violence.
“Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial foreign financial backing to destabilize the country.
“Preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests, spread false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow the government.
“Investigations have identified a foreign mercenary, Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey), a British national who built a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos. He rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities.”
Adejobi further stated that Wynn, also known as Andrew Povich, and his local coordinator, Obiyan, have fled the country.
“Since the investigation began, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and his local coordinator, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have been declared wanted, and a global manhunt for them has been initiated in connection with this investigation.”
Adejobi also accused Wynn of providing financial and operational guidance to allegedly overthrow Nigeria’s elected government.