Andrew Wynne, the Briton accused by Nigeria Police of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has denied the charges, claiming he is not a fugitive and offering to speak with authorities.
Andrew Wynne, the British national declared wanted by the Nigeria Police for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has denied the allegations, asserting that he is not a fugitive.
Speaking from his base in the United Kingdom on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Wynne said he was unaware of being labeled a fugitive by Nigerian authorities. His response comes just hours after the Nigeria Police announced a N20 million bounty on him and his alleged accomplice, Nigerian citizen Lucky Obiyan.
Addressing journalists earlier, Nigeria Police Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, accused Wynne of orchestrating a network of sleeper cells aimed at destabilizing the government and creating national chaos.
However, Andrew Wynne refuted these claims, arguing that he could not be plotting against a nation that he has visited for 25 years and where he owns a bookshop. “I am not aware that I am a fugitive. I am not aware that I am running away from the law,” Wynne stated. “I have been visiting Nigeria for 25 years and have operated a bookshop in the NLC office in Abuja for seven years. Throughout that time, the security forces showed no interest in me.”
Wynne, who also clarified that he uses a nickname for his political education work, expressed willingness to engage with the police. “I am more than happy to talk to the police via WhatsApp or Zoom, or even meet with officials from the Nigerian High Commission in London. If they want to start a conversation, I think that is more than adequate,” he added.
Andrew Wynne’s wife, who also appeared on the program, distanced her husband from the allegations, suggesting that the charges were fabricated to witch-hunt him.
Implications:
- The police’s accusation raises questions about diplomatic relations and legal procedures between Nigeria and the UK.
2. The denial from Wynne could lead to a prolonged public discourse and investigation, affecting Nigeria’s international image.
