A Federal High Court in Abuja issued an arrest warrant on Tuesday for British citizen Andrew Wynne and several Nigerians over allegations of treason and terrorism.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order in response to an ex-parte motion filed by the Inspector-General of Police and presented by Audu Garba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Inspector-General accused ten detained Nigerian protesters, among others, of collaborating with Mr. Wynne to plot the unconstitutional removal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During the hearing of the motion, Garba informed the court about the ex-parte application seeking a warrant for the arrest of certain individuals. He listed the accused, including Andrew Martin Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich), Lucky Ehis Obiyan, and Comrade Abdullahi Musa.
Garba stated that the defendants, who are currently at large, are facing charges of conspiracy, treason, inciting mutiny, inciting disaffection towards the government, and terrorism, in violation of various sections of the Penal Code and the Northern States Federal Provisions Act.
He also requested an order declaring the individuals wanted due to these allegations.
The affidavit supporting the motion stated that ongoing investigations revealed the fleeing defendants were allegedly responsible for planning and executing the invasion and arson of the High Court Complex, the NCC office, and a printing press in Kano.
Additionally, it was alleged that the defendants were behind attacks on the Government House in Kano, the Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency’s office, the NURTW office, and several other buildings in August 2024.
Garba indicated that other suspects who are also on the run are being tracked, which underscores the need for this application.
He argued that if granted, the order would empower police officers and security agencies across the country to arrest the fleeing defendants lawfully.
Garba urged the court to approve the application in the interest of justice.
Justice Nwite deemed the motion “meritorious” and granted it.
NAN reported that on Monday, the judge ordered the remand of ten #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kuje and Suleija Correctional Centres after they were arraigned on six counts related to treason, among other charges.
