The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ajaero was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on September 9, 2024, while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
The labour leader was scheduled to attend the Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference in London, but his journey was interrupted by security forces.
Although the reasons for Ajaero’s arrest remain unclear, reports indicate that he has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for further investigation.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has confirmed the arrest of its president.
A statement released by NLC spokesperson Benson Upah said the union expressed shock over the sudden apprehension of their leader.
Upah told the media that Ajaero was on his way to London when DSS operatives stopped him at the airport.
“Ajaero was picked up by DSS while he was preparing to board a flight to the UK to attend the Trade Union Congress conference,” Upah said.
The NLC has expressed strong opposition to the arrest, accusing the DSS of violating Ajaero’s rights.
The NLC has condemned what it described as the unlawful arrest of its president.
The union claimed that Ajaero was detained without any legal warrant or formal charges.
In a statement, the NLC declared that Ajaero is not a fugitive and that his arrest was not justified by law.
The union further raised concerns about the possible motives behind the arrest, suggesting it could be linked to Ajaero’s recent involvement in protests against the high cost of living in Nigeria.
The NLC is demanding Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release.
The statement reads, “We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero. The Congress will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon.”
The arrest of Joe Ajaero comes at a time of rising tensions between the NLC and Nigerian authorities.
Ajaero has been under increased scrutiny following his role in recent protests organized by the NLC.
In August, the NLC spearheaded a nationwide protest against rising living costs, which lasted from August 1 to August 10.
The protest, dubbed the “End Hunger and High Cost of Living” demonstration, called on the government to address the inflation and economic challenges facing millions of Nigerians.
Following the protests, the NLC raised an alarm that security forces, including the DSS, had raided their headquarters in Abuja.
According to the NLC, the raid occurred late at night, and some materials were seized by the operatives.
The police later confirmed that they had conducted the operation but stated that the NLC headquarters was not the intended target.
The arrest of Ajaero may be linked to ongoing investigations by Nigerian police into allegations of terrorism financing.
In the weeks following the August protests, the NLC revealed that Joe Ajaero had been invited by the police to answer questions relating to an investigation into terrorism financing.
The police invitation raised eyebrows, particularly because of its timing, just after the protests.
Ajaero attended the police invitation and answered their questions.
However, days later, the police issued a second invitation, summoning Ajaero to appear at their headquarters in Abuja.
According to police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Ajaero was being investigated for “criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property.”
The invitation further heightened the tension between the NLC and Nigerian authorities, with many accusing the government of trying to suppress dissent through intimidation tactics.
Following the arrest of Joe Ajaero, the NLC has put all its affiliates, state councils, and civil society partners on high alert.
In a strong-worded statement, the NLC urged all members and allies to be prepared for any actions that may be required in response to Ajaero’s detention.
The statement read, “In light of this troubling development, the Congress has placed all its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and all patriotic Nigerians on the highest state of alert.”
The NLC reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of its members and leaders, declaring that it would not back down from confronting the government over the arrest of its president.