Who is Andrew Wynne, the Briton declared wanted for ‘funding terrorism’ in Nigeria
has asked the police to drop the terrorism charges against Wynne.
Wynne has also listed his research interests to include “identifying existing good practice within public financial management in sub-Saharan Africa”.
“He is currently researching the development of financial reporting standards in the Nigerian public sector and the most appropriate approach for internal audit,” his LinkedIn bio added.
“He is finalising papers on the adoption of the Cash Basis IPSAS in Nepal and the independence of the two main audit bodies in Franco-phone Africa, the General State Inspectorate and the Court of Accounts.”
On Slideshare, a Scribd company, Wynne is named as an advisor to African governments on accounting, finance and audit reforms with affliations to the military as well.
“I’ve been visiting Nigeria for 25 years. I’ve had a bookshop in the NLC office right in the center of Abuja for seven years and all that time, of course, the security forces have paid no interest in me,” Wynne told Channels TV, while expressing confusion at the “sudden” scrutiny.
Some days after the raid on the NLC House, Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), said the “mastermind of the Sudan conflict was traced” to the building.
‘WIFE’: MY HUSBAND IS INNOCENT
Helen Batubo, who is believed to be Wynne’s partner, said allegations against him are unfounded.
Batubo, who was also invited by the police for questioning, alleged that security operatives raided her home in Karshi, a satelite town on the outskirts of Abuja, in an attempt to find incriminating materials.
According to Batubo, she got married to Wynne last year after eight years of friendship.
“My husband is falsely accused. He’s never been a terrorist,” she said.
Batubo claimed that Wynne is being accused wrongly because of a debtor who has refused to pay the Briton an unspecified amount owed and has resorted to using the law against him.
Batubo is the principal of Stars of Nations Schools in Nasarawa, which Wynne owns. A statement issued by Femi Falana, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights lawyer, described Batubo as Wynne’s stepdaughter.
WYNNE: I’M READY TO COOPERATE
Speaking further in the interview with Channels, Wynne said he is more than happy to talk to the police.
The police spokesperson had said the Briton fled Nigeria once investigations commenced. However, the bookstore owner denied the allegations.
“I am not aware that I am a fugitive. I am not aware that I am running away from the law,” he said.
“I am more than happy to talk to the police. I’m more than happy to have a discussion on WhatsApp, on Zoom. I’m more than happy to go to London and meet with officials from the Nigerian High Commission if they want to start the conversation.”
The Briton said he left the country on August 4 for “vacation”.
Wynne also said claims that he goes under the name of Andrew Povich, a Russian sounding name, and that he has now left Nigeria for Russia are false.
The foreigner did not reveal his current location
