Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, issued a warrant of arrest against a Briton, Andrew Wynne, and other Nigerians who took part in last month’s #EndBadGovernance protest.
The judge granted the order in an ex-parte motion filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, but moved by Audu Garba.
Police arraigned the defendants on a six-count charge of treason and terrorism.
The force also declared the Briton wanted on Monday.
The IGP had accused 10 detained protesters of conniving with Wynne to plot President Bola Tinubu’s removal through unconstitutional means, among other allegations.
Upon resumed hearing of the motion, Garba said an ex-parte application seeking an order for a warrant of arrest against some persons was before the court.
The lawyer listed the individuals to include Wynne (aka Andrew Povich), Lucky Ehis Obiyan, and Comrade Abdullahi Musa.
He said the fleeing defendants were involved in the case 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 the invasion and burning down of the High Court Complex, Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) office, and Printing Press in Kano.
It alleged that the defendants were also responsible for the attack on the Government House in Kano, Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency’s office, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) office, and several other buildings in August.
Garba said others who are now at large are being tracked, hence, the need for the application.
The lawyer urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.
Justice Nwite, who granted the motion, described it as “meritorious.”
