Andrew Wynne, a 70-year-old retired British accountant known as Drew Povey, is contesting allegations from the Nigerian government that he financed the #EndBadGovernance protests in August. Declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force for purportedly conspiring to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, Wynne continues to assert his innocence.

Wynne, who runs a bookstore called Iva Valley in Abuja, has emphasized his long-standing connections to Nigeria, having traveled there regularly since 2008. He maintains that he has no ties to any foreign entities and has not visited Russia in over two decades.

He stated that his only visits to Russia were for brief holidays when he was 18 and a short business trip more than 20 years ago. Furthermore, he clarified that while he worked as a teacher in Sudan during the 1970s, he has not returned in over 45 years.

“I am completely innocent of any wrongdoing in Nigeria over the last 25 years,” Wynne asserted. “The police lack evidence for the crimes they allege. The information presented to the court fails to substantiate the charges against me or anyone else.”

Wynne also rejected claims that he funded the protests. “I did not pay anyone for such activities,” he said, noting that while the police have blocked 32 bank accounts, they have not provided any evidence of transactions supporting their allegations of treason or illegal funding.

He pointed out discrepancies in the police’s claims regarding his travel, asserting, “The police say I visited several African countries 13 times in two months, which is completely untrue.”

Operating his bookstore openly for the past seven years, Wynne noted that law enforcement agencies have never shown interest in his business. “During the NLC May Day celebrations, security officers visited our book stall, but expressed no concerns,” he explained.

Wynne also criticized the nickname “Povich,” claiming it is a fabrication. “I’ve never heard that name before,” he said, reiterating that he has not been to Russia recently and only visited Sudan decades ago.

“I have never called for a military coup. I believe in democracy and think recent coups in West Africa have harmed the common people,” he added.

Wynne described his recent travel history, stating he left Nigeria via Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 4, having booked his return ticket for September 18. “I had no reason to flee; I know very few of those detained, and I’m confident they are innocent,” he remarked.

On September 2, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi accused Wynne of establishing networks intended to destabilize the government. “The Nigeria Police Force is conducting a thorough investigation into foreign nationals plotting to disrupt our democratic governance,” he stated.

Adejobi claimed that nine suspects have been arrested, suggesting they received substantial foreign backing for their actions. “Initial findings indicate they coordinated and funded violent protests and disseminated misinformation to create chaos,” he said.

The spokesperson further stated that Wynne is believed to have set up a network aimed at undermining the government, alleging he used his bookstore as a front for his activities. He concluded that Wynne, along with a local associate, has been declared wanted, with efforts underway to locate him.

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