The Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday. Ajaero was preparing to travel to the United Kingdom for an official assignment, according to sources.
The Explainer learned that Ajaero was scheduled to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today.
The reasons behind his arrest are still unclear, but sources revealed that he has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
This incident comes just a week after Ajaero honored a police invitation on August 28, related to an investigation into alleged terrorism financing.
The police invitation, dated August 19, requested Ajaero’s presence for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) on September 5.
The invitation read in part: “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 for an interview.”
Ajaero had previously reported to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and others.
He left the headquarters of the police Intelligence Response Team after providing a statement.
The NLC and other labor unions have accused the Federal Government of attempting to intimidate labor leaders through these actions.
The invitation came in the wake of a night raid by the police on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja, further escalating tensions between the government and organized labor.
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Prior to honoring the police invitation, labor members had gathered at the NLC headquarters in solidarity with Ajaero, condemning the allegations as trumped-up and politically motivated.
The union had warned of a potential nationwide strike if Ajaero were to be arrested.
Comrade Minjibir Ado, Deputy President of the NLC, issued this warning after an emergency meeting of the group’s National Executive Council on August 20.
The union accused the Federal Government of harassing its leaders and put its members and affiliates on high alert.
