The Nigeria Police Force has opened a thorough investigation into the actions of a foreign person and subversive forces who planned to orchestrate mayhem around the nation and overthrow Nigeria’s democratically elected government through an unlawful regime change.
While addressing the media on Monday in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, “Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended. They received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country.
“Preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests, disseminated false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow the democratically elected 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 space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities.
“Documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Andrew Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, and provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.
“He mobilized and deployed several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to incite the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that would instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian government. These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.
“Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and one of his local coordinators, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have been declared wanted, and a global hunt for them has commenced in connection with this investigation.
“The ten other suspects already apprehended have been arraigned before a competent court of law today, Monday, September 2, 2024, for Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime. They include Angel Love Innocent (F), Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon (M), Michael Tobitoba Adaramoye AKA Leni (M), Suleiman Yakubu (M), Buhari Lawal (M), Mosiu Sadiq (M), Abayomi Adeyemi (M), Abdulsalam Zubairu (M), Nuradeen Hamis (M), and Bashir Bello (M).
“These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.”
He further explained that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while condemning the activities of the group, has activated INTERPOL tools and other global policing networks to support ongoing domestic investigations aimed at locating and apprehending the suspects at large.
According to him, “The IGP assures the general public that the Force will leave no stone unturned in dealing with and bringing to justice any individual or group threatening our national security and peace or promoting any movement with the motive of truncating our democratic government through unconstitutional means.
“We recognize and remain committed to protecting citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed fundamental and democratic rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. However, we advise citizens to be wary of subversive elements who weaponize and commercialize protests for personal financial and ideological benefits.”
The FPRO, however, clarified that contrary to disinformation, the invitation extended to certain individuals within the NLC leadership had nothing to do with rights advocacy and activities of the Union leadership but was aimed at clarifying the relationship between the individuals and Andrew Wynne, who, in addition to plotting unconstitutional regime change, is also financing terrorism in Nigeria.
According to him, “Following the interaction between the police investigation team and the NLC President, there is now a clearer understanding of the focus of the ongoing police investigation and the depth of Andrew Wynne’s subversive network and activities.
“No nation will tolerate attempts by foreign elements to interfere in its internal affairs, threaten national security, and organize and fund local elements to instigate uprisings aimed at destabilizing the country and engendering violent and unconstitutional regime change.”
In addition to stating that anyone with information that results in the arrest of any of the individuals who have been proclaimed sought will be greatly appreciated and rewarded, he said that the Inspector-General of Police has made a plea for the cooperation and assistance of all law-abiding residents in the continuing investigation.
