Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, issued an arrest warrant against a British citizen, Andrew Wynne, and some Nigerians over allegations bordering on treason and terrorism.
The order was granted in an ex-parte motion filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, but moved by the Federal Government’s counsel, Audu Garba, on Wynne (aka Andrew Povich) and ten other Nigerians reportedly on the run.
The IGP had accused the ten Nigerian protesters, among others, of conspiring with Wynne to plot the removal of President Bola Tinubu through unconstitutional means, among other allegations.
At today’s sitting, Garba told the court that an ex-parte application seeking an order for an arrest warrant on some persons was before the court.
The lawyer urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice, maintaining that if the application is given, it would enable all police officers in the country and other security agencies to use their mechanisms to secure the lawful arrest of the fleeing defendants.
He said the defendants, who are on the run, were involved in the case of conspiracy, treason, inciting to mutiny, inciting disaffection to government and terrorism, among others, which is contrary to Sections 97, 410, 413, 416 and 412 of the Penal Code, Northern States Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN 2004.
The affidavit filed in support of the motion contended that the investigation so far conducted shows that the fleeing defendants were allegedly responsible for planning and coordinating the invasion and burning down of the High Court Complex, the office of the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Printing Press – all in Kano State, among others.
The lawyer listed the individuals to include Andrew Povich, Lucky Obiyan, and Abdullahi Musa.
Garba said others who are now at large are being tracked, hence, the need for the application.
Justice Nwite granted the motion, describing it as meritorious.
Recall that Justice Nwite on Monday, ordered the remand of 10 #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria protesters in Kuje and Suleija prisons.
The nationwide protest which was tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria was held for 10 days in which some Nigerians took to the streets to bemoan the harsh economic conditions in the country.
