Andrew Wynne, the British national sought by Nigerian authorities for allegedly financing the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, has spoken out following his flight from Nigeria.
Muyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Police, announced on Monday that Wynne and his local coordinator, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have both been declared wanted and are now subjects of an international search. Adejobi revealed that Wynne had fled the country since the investigation began. The police have arrested nine individuals linked to the protests, accusing them of receiving significant foreign funds to destabilize Nigeria. These individuals are alleged to have organized and funded violent demonstrations, spread misinformation, and engaged in activities intended to disrupt the government.
In response, Wynne released a statement asserting that protest should not be equated with treason and called for the release of all detainees. He condemned the Nigerian government’s handling of the #EndBadGovernance and #EndHunger protests, accusing it of repression rather than addressing public grievances. Wynne alleged that the government’s response included the killing of approximately 40 people and the arrest of thousands, many of whom remain in custody.
Wynne highlighted severe charges faced by protest leaders in Abuja, including accusations of treason and mutiny. He noted that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a general strike in defense of its President, Joe Ajaero, to protect him from similar accusations. He criticized the evidence against the detainees as weak and warned that without support from the trade union movement, they could face prolonged imprisonment.
Wynne also pointed to Eleojo Opaluwa, the first person arrested in connection with the case, who has been detained for over four weeks without substantial evidence. Wynne claimed that Opaluwa’s family was told he had received a WhatsApp message from one of the other alleged leaders after his arrest. He suggested there is a disconnect among the detainees, with some being unfamiliar with the protest group and potential discord between the government and the police investigating the case.
WRITTEN BY; CHRISTOPHER AND SUNITA