The police also said the investigation of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has revealed the level of involvement of the foreigner as the NLC did not even know the real identity of the person occupying their building.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, while briefing journalists in Abuja on Monday, said Andrew built a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos.
According to Adejobi, Wynne is accused of renting a space at Labour House in Abuja under the guise of operating an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and establishing ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ to cover up his subversive activities.
“He mobiliSed and deployed several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to mobiliSe 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.
The police claim that Wynne was involved in planning and financing the August protests, which were part of a broader conspiracy to destabilise the country and instigate an unconstitutional regime change.
“The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a foreign national and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria.
“Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilise the country,” Adejobi stated
Adejobi further revealed that documentary evidence and confessions have linked Wynne to the violent protests, stating that he provided operational guidance and financial support to those involved.
“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,” he added.
This development follows the recent arrest of Polish nationals in Kano by the Department of State Services (DSS) during the protests, who were later released after being detained for weeks.
Meanwhile, the police has arraigned ten suspects allegedly involved in the plot with the above to court for the role they played in the alleged plot to topple the government.
The police said, “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.”
The arraigned persons includes, Angel Love Innocent, female; Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Michael Tobitoba Adaramoye AKA Leni, Suleiman Yakubu, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Abayomi Adeyemi, Abdulsalam Zubairu, Nuradeen Hamis, and Bashir Bello, all males.
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However, the police mentioned that, “Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and one of his local coordinators, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan have accordingly been declared wanted and global hunting for them has commenced in connection with this investigation.”
Similarly, the police declared Lucky Ehis Obiyan, who is alleged to be a local coordinator for Andrew, wanted, adding that global hunting for them has commenced in connection with the investigation.
The police also cleared the air, stating this was the reason the police have also summoned Comrade Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), regarding Wynne’s activities.
ACP Adejobi said, “Contrary to disinformation, the invitation extended to certain individuals within the NLC leadership has nothing to do with rights advocacy and activities of the Union leadership, but is aimed at clearing the relationship between the individuals and Andrew Wynne who in addition to plotting unconstitutional regime change is also financing terrorism in Nigeria.
“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.”
