NLC President Joe Ajaero leading a labour protest
DSS arrests, detains NLC president, Ajaero
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has been arrested by the Department of State for Security (DSS).
The DSS arrested Ajaero at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Aiport in Abuja, on Monday, on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
A statement on Monday, by Head of Information of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah, confirmed the arrest, stating that Ajaero was on his way to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London.
The statement, which disclosed that the conference begins today, said the union does not know where Ajaero was ardested, but he had sent a message saying it was the DSS that arrested him.
The statement read in part: “We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument. Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive. His detention is therefore a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body. His detention is a brazen act of intimidation and completely unjustified under the laws of our nation. The mere contemplation of not just stopping a lawful citizen from travelling but also sequestering his freedom is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as a people and as workers.”
Ajaero’s arrest and detention by the DSS came about a week after he honoured an invitation by the police on August 28. On that occasion, he was released the following day after honouring the invitation.
The NLC President was initially invited by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), over allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
“In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conducts Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured.
“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja or an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu hagari way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September, 2024 at 11am.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr. Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please,” the police’s second invitation read.
Also invited at the time was the Secretary General of the union, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
Ajaero reported at the Force Headquarters in Abuja accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and others.
After honouring the invitation, Ajaero returned to the NLC headquarters where he addressed a crowd of NLC members who had gathered in solidarity with him.
In his speech, Ajaero described the labour movement as the most patriotic organisation in the country, promising that the union won’t compromise its patriotism no matter the challenge it faces.
His invitation by the police had generated controversy with the NLC and other labour unions accusing the Federal Government of attempting to intimidate labour leaders.
The invitation came in the wake of a night raid by the police on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja.