A British citizen, Andrew Wynne, who has been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Tinubu, has responded to the accusations against him.
OsunDailyNG recalls that earlier on Monday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi briefed journalists in Abuja, accusing the British national of creating a network of sleeper cells intended to destabilize the country and overthrow the government.
“The Nigeria Police Force has initiated a thorough investigation into the activities of foreign nationals and subversive elements plotting to destabilize Nigeria’s democratically elected government through unconstitutional means and orchestrated violence,” Adejobi said.
He further explained that nine suspects have been arrested following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies. These suspects are accused of receiving significant financial backing from foreign sources to foment unrest in Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview with Channels Television on Monday, Wynne denied any involvement in the alleged plot and stated that he is not evading the authorities.
He expressed his willingness to cooperate with Nigerian officials.
“I am not aware that I am a fugitive or that I am running from the law. I have been visiting Nigeria for 25 years, and for the past seven years, I have operated a bookshop within the NLC offices in the heart of Abuja. During all this time, the security forces have shown no interest in me.
“I only hold one nationality, and the name on my passport is Andrew Wynne, though I have a nickname. I am more than willing to speak with the police, whether via WhatsApp, Zoom, or even in person at the Nigerian High Commission in London. If they wish to initiate a dialogue, I am fully prepared to engage,” Wynne said.
‘My Husband is Innocent,’ Says Nigerian Wife
In a separate interview with Channels Television, Wynne’s Nigerian wife strongly refuted the allegations against her husband, insisting that he is being falsely accused.
She claimed that the real reason behind her husband’s current predicament has nothing to do with any attempt to overthrow the government, but rather a personal vendetta by a Nigerian individual who owes her husband money and is trying to avoid repaying the debt.
“We’ve been together for nine years, with eight years of friendship before we finally married last year. My husband is being falsely accused; he has never been involved in any terrorist activity. The real issue is that a man named Mr. Olumide owes my husband and doesn’t want to pay him,” she stated.
“The matter is currently in court. This individual is doing everything possible to intimidate and deport my husband to avoid paying his debt. My husband is in the UK because his visa was about to expire, and he needed to return. Were it not for these issues, he would have returned around the end of September.”
