Court orders arrest of Briton, Nigerians over insurrection, terrorism charges

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of a British citizen, Andrew Wynne, and other Nigerians for allegedly causing disaffection against the government led by President Bola Tinubu and for terrorism.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the approval for the arrest warrant in an ex parte motion filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The IGP had accused 10 Nigerian protesters of acting in concert with Wynne to plot the removal of Tinubu by unconstitutional means, among other allegations.

Counsel to the IGP, Audu Garba, on Thursday sought a court order issuing a warrant of arrest against Wynne (aka Andrew Povich), Lucky Ehis Obiyan, and Comrade Abdullahi Musa, fleeing defendants in the case of conspiracy, treason, inciting to mutiny, inciting disaffection to government, and terrorism, etc., contrary to sections 97, 410, 413, 416, and 412 of the Penal Code Northern States Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN 2004.

He also sought an order declaring them wanted over the allegations.

According to his processes, the investigation conducted so far revealed that the fleeing defendants were allegedly responsible for planning and coordinating the invasion and burning down of the High Court Complex, NCC police station in Nyanya Abuja, complexes in Kano, Kano Printing Press, attacks on Government House Kano, Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency office, NURTW office, and several other buildings in August 2024.

He stated that others now at large are being tracked for arrest, hence his application.

“The arrest, investigation, and prosecution of the fleeing defendants who are now on the run will be possible if this honourable court issues a warrant of arrest for their apprehension and declares them wanted,” he prayed, asking the court to grant it in the interest of justice so as to enable all officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to use their mechanisms to secure the lawful arrest of the fleeing defendants.

After hearing his submission, Justice Nwite granted the request, describing it as “meritorious.”

Justice Nwite, based on an ex-parte motion filed by the IGP’s lawyer, Ibrahim Mohammed, approved the police’s request to remand the protesters pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The defendants were alleged to have committed treason and incitement aimed at overthrowing the government in power.