A Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria has on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, issued an arrest warrant against a British citizen, Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, and several Nigerians. The warrant relates to allegations of treason and terrorism.
The order came following an ex-parte motion filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and moved by the Federal Government’s counsel, Audu Garba. The defendants, including ten Nigerians, are reportedly on the run.
According to Garba, the individuals are accused of conspiring with Wynne to plot the removal of President Bola Tinubu through unconstitutional means, among other allegations. The charges against them include conspiracy, treason, incitement to mutiny, inciting disaffection toward the government, and terrorism, which violate several sections of the Penal Code and the Northern States Federal Provisions Act.
In support of the arrest warrant, Garba argued, “If the application is granted, it would enable all police officers and security agencies in the country to secure the lawful arrest of the fleeing defendants.” The lawyer also noted that the investigation revealed the defendants’ involvement in coordinating attacks on government properties in Kano State, including the High Court Complex, the Nigerian Communications Commission office, and the Printing Press.
Justice Nwite, in granting the motion, deemed it meritorious and justified. The ruling follows a previous order by the court on Monday to remand ten protesters from the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstration, which lasted for ten days and highlighted the harsh economic conditions in Nigeria.
