On Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an arrest warrant for British citizen Andrew Wynne and several Nigerians on charges related to treason and terrorism. The order was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite in response to an ex parte motion filed by Audu Garba on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police. The IGP had accused the 10 detained Nigerian protesters, along with Wynne, of conspiring to unlawfully remove President Bola Tinubu and other related offenses.
Upon resumed hearing of the motion, Audu Garba informed that an ex-parte application seeking an order for issuing of a warrant of arrest against some persons was before the court.
The lawyer listed the individuals, including Andrew Martin Wynne, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, and Comrade Abdullahi Musa.
He said the fleeing defendants were involved in the cases of conspiracy, treason, inciting to mutiny, inciting disaffection to government and terrorism, among others, contrary to sections 97, 410, 413, 416 and 412 of the Penal Code, Northern States Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN 2004.
He equally sought an order declaring them wanted over the allegations.
The affidavit in support of the motion said the investigation so far revealed that the fleeing defendants were allegedly responsible for planning and coordination of the invasion and burning down of the High Court Complex, NCC office and printing press in Kano.
It further alleged that the defendants were also responsible for the attack on Government House Kano, Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency’s office, NURTW office and several other buildings in August 2024.
Garba said others who are now at large are being tracked, hence the need for the application.
He said if the application is granted, 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.
The lawyer urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.
Justice Nwite, who granted the motion, described it as “meritorious.”
NAN reports that the judge had, on Monday, ordered the remand of 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kuje and Suleija correctional centres after they were arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on treason, among others.
