The Global Manhunt: Andrew Wynne Still a Fugitive 17 Months After ‘Regime Change’ Allegations

ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reaffirmed that the international manhunt for British national Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich) remains active, nearly a year and a half after he was first declared wanted for an alleged plot to topple the current administration.

As of Thursday, February 19, 2026, Wynne remains a primary fugitive on the NPF’s watch list. Authorities continue to seek his arrest in connection with charges of treasonable felony, terrorism financing, and orchestrating a subversive network aimed at unconstitutional regime change.

While Wynne remains at large, the government has already arraigned several other suspects allegedly linked to the network. These individuals face trial for criminal conspiracy and subversion. Security analysts note that the government’s refusal to drop the charges against Wynne signals its intent to make the case a landmark in its stance against foreign interference in Nigerian democratic processes. For now, the man known as Andrew Povich remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile foreign fugitives—a symbol of a deep-seated tension between the state and its most vocal international critics.

The “Andrew Investigation”: A Recap of the Allegations

The case against Wynne, which first broke in September 2024, centers on allegations that he used legitimate-looking fronts in Abuja to coordinate sleeper cells. The Covers: According to the NPF spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Wynne operated the “Iva Valley Bookshop” at Labour House and established “STARS of Nations Schools” as strategic covers for his activities. The Alleged Plot: Police claim Wynne funneled billions of naira to local collaborators to incite violent protests and orchestrate attacks on military and police facilities, with the ultimate goal of triggering a national crisis.

“Povich” vs. The Law: The Fugitive’s Denial

While Wynne remains in the United Kingdom, he has consistently denied the allegations, describing the “regime change” plot as a fabrication. His Defense: Wynne (aka Povich) maintains that he has visited Nigeria for over 25 years without issue and was simply operating a bookshop. The Stand-Off: Despite the NPF’s invitation for him to “clear his name” in Abuja, Wynne has only offered to speak via digital platforms or at the Nigerian High Commission in London—a condition the NPF has rejected, insisting on his physical extradition.

INTERPOL and the N20 Million Bounty

The hunt for Wynne and his Nigerian associate, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, remains a high-priority operation involving INTERPOL. The Reward: The N20 million bounty placed on their heads in late 2024 remains active for any information leading to their arrest. The Legal Status: A Federal High Court in Abuja has already issued an arrest warrant (Ex-parte motion filed by the IGP), giving the NPF the legal backing to pursue the British national across international borders.

The Wider Network

While Wynne remains at large, the government has already arraigned several other suspects allegedly linked to the network. These individuals face trial for criminal conspiracy and subversion. Security analysts note that the government’s refusal to drop the charges against Wynne signals its intent to make the case a landmark in its stance against foreign interference in Nigerian democratic processes.

For now, the man known as Andrew Povich remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile foreign fugitives—a symbol of a deep-seated tension between the state and its most vocal international critics.