Andrew Wynne, a British who was recently declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force, has come out to announce that he is not ready to hand himself over to the authorities due to fear for his safety. The police had placed a wanted notice against Wynne and another person, Lucky Obiyan a Nigerian, on Monday. They also offered the sum N20 million for information on them claiming they were planning the unlawful removal of Tinubu president by sponsoring recent protests under the banners #EndBadGovernance and #Hunger.
As for responding to these accusations, Wynne has flatly told the police that he has not committed any offence also also reproached the police for lack of formal invitation in order to respond to these allegations should there be any. Wynne’s denial comes as an explanation to allegation of his links with the protests that were meant to tackle several governance issues and economic distress in Nigeria.
On Tuesday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, speaking in defense of the police actions taken on Wynne stressed that Wynne was in fact afforded an opportunity to clear himself. “We have established offences against him (Wynne), and even a warrant has been issued against him. His co-conspirators have also been taken to court. Let him come out. At least those people were working for him. As good a leader, an intelligent man who mobilised and managed sleeper cells to fan troubles in Nigeria, he should have come out as a good leader and proven to his followers that he was a good leader. Let him come and meet us,” Adejobi said.
Despite these statements from the police, Wynne remains adamant that he will not turn himself in. In an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, he expressed his deep concerns about the potential dangers he would face if he surrendered to the police. Wynne referenced the case of one of his employees, Yomi, who he claims was subjected to severe torture by the police after being arrested at a bookshop. Wynne argued that he fears experiencing a similar fate.
Wynne, who is 70 years old, made it clear that he believes surrendering to the police would be a death sentence. “The police say, if I am innocent I should give myself up. I am innocent. Like Yomi, for example, Yomi is completely innocent, give myself up and be tortured?” Wynne said. He elaborated on his fears, stating that his apprehension goes beyond just the fear of physical harm. “I mean, it’s beyond fear, isn’t it? Yomi is my son and he’s completely innocent and was tortured for three days,” he explained.
Wynne’s statement highlights his profound fear for his life, rather than just concern over possible mistreatment. “And the police expect me to come back to Nigeria and be tortured? My fear is I would not be alive. It’s not about fear of torture and being beaten up by the police, it’s fear for my life. I don’t think I would survive the year if I came back to Nigeria,” Wynne concluded.
This situation underscores a significant and troubling aspect of the ongoing tension between Wynne and the Nigerian authorities. The allegations against Wynne and the police’s response have sparked a complex legal and diplomatic issue. Wynne’s refusal to surrender is not just a personal stance but also reflects broader concerns about human rights and the treatment of individuals within the Nigerian legal system.
The conflict between Wynne and the Nigerian authorities raises important questions about the nature of justice and accountability in the country. It also highlights the need for a transparent and fair process in addressing serious allegations. As this situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor how the Nigerian authorities respond to Wynne’s claims and whether there will be any resolution that ensures justice while addressing the concerns about human rights abuses.
The international community may also be watching closely, given the involvement of a foreign national and the serious nature of the allegations. This case could have broader implications for Nigeria’s international relations and its reputation regarding human rights and legal practices.
