British National, Wynne Refuses to Surrender, Cites Fear of Torture, Death

Andrew Wynne, the British national wanted by the Nigeria Police Force, has stated that he will not turn himself in due to concerns for his safety.

The police issued a wanted notice for Wynne and a Nigerian associate, Lucky Obiyan, on Monday, offering a N20 million reward for information leading to their arrest. The authorities accuse them of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu by allegedly financing recent protests against poor governance and hunger.

Wynne has denied these allegations and claimed that the police have not formally invited him to address the charges.

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In response, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi asserted on Tuesday that Wynne had been invited to come forward and present his case. “We have established an offence or offences against him and declared him wanted. His accomplices have been charged in court. Let him come out. As a leader and businessman who allegedly mobilised sleeper cells to create unrest in Nigeria, he should demonstrate his leadership and prove his innocence,” Adejobi stated.

However, Wynne told our correspondent on Wednesday that he fears for his life if he were to surrender. Referring to the case of his employee Yomi, who he claims was brutally tortured by the police for days after being arrested, Wynne expressed grave concerns.

The 70-year-old Wynne said, “The police say if I am innocent, I should give myself up. I am innocent. But like Yomi, who was completely innocent and tortured for three days, why should I surrender to be tortured? My fear is not just about torture; it’s about my survival. I don’t believe I would live through the year if I returned to Nigeria.”