In a shocking development, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to sources, Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning while on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
The NLC president was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today. Confirming the development, the NLC took to its official X handle to condemn the arrest, stating that it is an assault on Nigerian workers. “The assault on Nigerian workers continues. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, was arrested and abducted by men of the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, this morning on his way to attend an official engagement of TUC United Kingdom, and he is now detained at the office of the NSA. This intimidation and assault must stop!!!” the statement read.
Ajaero’s arrest is the latest in a series of events that have raised concerns about the government’s handling of labour issues. Recall that the Nigeria Police Force had invited and interrogated Ajaero over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. The police are alleging a link between the labour leader and a Briton, Andrew Wynne, who has been accused of financing the recent #EndBadGovernance or #Hunger protest in the country to allegedly overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
Following Ajaero’s first appearance on August 29, the police had asked him to appear again on Thursday, September 5, alongside the NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, 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, had requested Ajaero’s presence at the SPO’s Room 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
The arrest of Ajaero has sparked widespread condemnation from labour unions and civil society groups, who have described it as an attempt to intimidate and silence labour leaders. The development is likely to escalate tensions between the government and labour unions, which have been at loggerheads over issues such as minimum wage, workers’ rights, and economic policies.
