A BRITISH citizen, Andrew Wynne, has expressed confusion over accusations by Nigerian authorities that he is involved in a plot to overthrow the country’s government. Nigerian police allege that Wynne and an accomplice have orchestrated a network of sleeper cells aimed at destabilising the nation, prompting him to flee following last month’s cost-of-living protests.
From the UK, Wynne told Channels Television that he was unaware of these serious accusations and is more than willing to speak with Nigerian officials, even suggesting discussions via WhatsApp or Zoom. He explained that he has operated a bookshop in Abuja for 25 years without any issues.
Nigerian police have placed a 10 million naira ($6,000, £5,000) bounty on Wynne’s head and offered the same reward for information leading to the arrest of his alleged accomplice, Lucky Obiyan.
The accusations surfaced on the same day 10 Nigerians were charged with treason related to the protests, dubbed ‘10 days of rage,’ which were fuelled by economic hardships and backed by trade unions. Wynne was also linked to these events in the charges.
Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi provided further details, claiming Wynne had rented space at the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja and established a school to mask his alleged subversive activities.
Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, insisted, ‘I am not aware that I am a fugitive; I have run my bookshop at the NLC offices for seven years, with no issues from security forces.’
The protests in August turned violent, resulting in at least seven deaths, according to police, though rights groups report the toll may be as high as 23.
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