Joe Ajaero addressing the media in Abuja, recently (File Image)
NLC: We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument. Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive
By Valentine Amanze
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Mr Joe Ajaero, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Aiport, Abuja, on Monday September 9, 2024.
No reason has been given for Ajaero’s arrest on his way to the United Kingdom (UK) for an official assignment.
Head of Information of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah, while confirming the arrest on Channels Television, said that Ajaero was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which began today (Monday).
Upah said that the union was not aware where Ajaero had been kept, stressing that he had sent a message saying it was the DSS that arrested him.
In a statement later on Monday, the union confirmed that Ajaero had been detained, an action it described as a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation.
Also read: Police invite NLC president, Ajaero, over terrorism
“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,” the statement read in part.
Ajaero’s arrest came about a week after he honoured an earlier invitation by the police over allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime”. He left the police headquarters on the same day after writing a statement.
Days later, another letter from the police inviting Ajaero for further questioning surfaced. This time, he was asked to come along with the Secretary General of the NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
READ ALSO: Again, Police Invite NLC President Ajaero, Secretary Ugboaja
The 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 hagari way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 am.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
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