The Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, and the NLC Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, failed to appear for their scheduled interrogation by the police on Thursday, sparking speculation about their willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
A source familiar with the situation revealed that the NLC leaders had written to the investigators, stating that they would not be available for the interrogation on Thursday. “They did not show up. I am aware they have written those handling their case that they wouldn’t be coming today. They asked them to expect them on September 25,” the source said.
The police had invited Ajaero and Ugboaja for interrogation over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. The allegations are linked to a Briton, Andrew Wynne, who is accused of financing the recent #EndBadGovernance or #Hunger protest in the country to allegedly overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
Counsel for the NLC, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), had hinted on Wednesday that the labour leaders might seek a postponement of the interrogation. On Thursday, Falana confirmed that the NLC leaders had requested a new date, citing Ajaero’s engagement outside Abuja. “We wrote for another date as Comrade Joe Ajaero has an engagement outside Abuja today,” he said.
The police had asked Ajaero and Ugboaja to appear on Thursday, alongside with the NLC General Secretary, to answer questions over alleged criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property. The letter, signed by the Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, Abuja, requested their presence at the Force Intelligence Department Complex in Abuja.
The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, promised to get back to our correspondent on Thursday over the non-appearance of the invited labour leaders, but had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.
The NLC leaders’ failure to appear for the interrogation has raised questions about their willingness to cooperate with the police investigation. The labour leaders’ next appearance is scheduled for September 25.
