The Department of State Security (DSS) on Monday apprehended Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Ajaero was on his way to attend the Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference in London, which was set to begin on Monday, September 9.
According to Benson Upah, the NLC’s spokesperson, Ajaero had made preparations for his participation in the London conference, but his arrest halted his travel plans. Reports suggest that after his arrest, he was transferred to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for further interrogation and investigation.
This arrest comes just weeks after Ajaero had previously met with law enforcement authorities, accompanied by his legal counsel, Femi Falana. He has been under investigation for a range of serious allegations, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The specifics of the charges remain unclear, but they paint a troubling picture of the level of scrutiny Ajaero has been facing in recent times.
It remains uncertain if Ajaero’s arrest is directly linked to the second invitation for questioning that had been extended to him by the police. This invitation was communicated through an official letter dated August 28, 2024, and signed by Commissioner of Police Rufus Alajide, acting on behalf of a deputy inspector general at the Force Intelligence Department. The letter outlined concerns regarding an investigation into accusations of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property, all of which reportedly involved Ajaero.
The police letter read: “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 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 Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September, 2024, at 11 a.m.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr. Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
The invitation clearly requested that Ajaero present himself, along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police. However, it appears Ajaero had not responded to this second invitation before his sudden arrest at the airport.
As the situation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the connection between the DSS action, the pending police investigation, and the exact charges being pursued against the NLC leader.
