On Tuesday, the Nigeria Police Force called on British national Andrew Wynne to come out of hiding and surrender. This appeal follows Wynne’s assertion that he had not been formally invited before being declared wanted.
The police had previously announced that Wynne and his Nigerian associate, Lucky Obiyan, were wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with a 20-million-naira reward for their capture.
In a Monday interview with Channels Television, Wynne claimed he was unaware of being labeled a fugitive.
Addressing the media in Abuja on Tuesday, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi insisted that Wynne had been contacted numerous times but had refused to respond, even after the police conducted a raid on his bookshop.
Adejobi stated, “He (Wynne) has been contacted several times. He has been so elusive. We went to his bookshop. When we were there, he came out to ask questions. If you have a legitimate business, wouldn’t you inquire about the police raid on your shop or office?”
He continued, “Even now, he hasn’t shown up. We traced him to his private school and visited it; still, no sign of him. We’ve questioned his staff and associates. So, where is he, and why is he hiding while claiming he has no case to answer?”
Adejobi emphasized that the police had substantiated several charges against Wynne and noted that his accomplices had already been brought to court.
He challenged Wynne to face the legal system, saying, “We have established multiple offenses against him, and we’ve declared him wanted. His accomplices have been charged in court. He should come out. His subordinates have already faced the law. As a leader and businessman who allegedly organized sleeper cells to disrupt Nigeria, he should demonstrate his leadership by coming forward. He needs to prove his integrity by meeting us.”
Adejobi also dismissed Wynne’s suggestion of a Zoom interrogation due to the gravity of the charges. He remarked, “We have important questions for him. He has frequently traveled outside Nigeria. Why is it so difficult for him to return? A Zoom meeting is not appropriate for such serious allegations. Let him come in person. I urge him again to come forward. If he is a genuine businessman, he should report to the police to address these issues directly.”
