Authorities from the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested NLC President Joe Ajaero at Abuja Airport, sparking widespread reactions across labor and political circles.

Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has been apprehended by operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) in a sudden twist of events.

Ajaero was reportedly caught this morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Ajaero was arrested while preparing to board a flight headed for the United Kingdom on official duty.

According to reports, he was on his way to a conference arranged by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that is set for today in the United Kingdom.

Although the precise particulars and rationales behind his apprehension are uncertain, reports suggest that Ajaero has been turned over to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for additional scrutiny.

Keep an eye out for forthcoming details, as additional insights regarding the apprehension and its effects on both the NLC administration and labor industry at large are anticipated to surface.

The NLC president was reported to have been detained, according to a statement released by the union.

Part of the statement reads, “We want to make clear that Comrade Ajaero is being held without any legal warrant or formal instrument. It should be noted that Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive and has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement agency. Therefore, his detention represents an audacious behavior of breaking laws and instilling fear because it goes against our nation’s standards for justice. Preventing a legitimate citizen from traveling while also taking away their liberty violates both democratic principles as well as basic human rights.”

A week after he honored a police invitation on August 28, he was arrested and detained. However, the next day following his appearance at the station, he was released.

Initially, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT) invited the NLC President on allegations relating to “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.”

“To support ongoing investigations related to the purported charges of Criminal Intimidation, Conduct Likely to Cause a Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name is involved.”

Please accompany Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), as arranged by the undersigned. The meeting is scheduled to be held at SPO’s Room 12 on the second floor of FID Complex located along Shehu Hagari Way, near Force Headquarters Area 11 in Garki, Abuja at 11am on Thursday September 5th,2024.

The second invitation from the police read, “Kindly consider calling Mr. Usman on his GSM number 08039659139 upon your arrival. Your cooperation in this matter is earnestly requested.”

Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Secretary General of the union was also extended an invitation.

Accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN and other individuals, Ajaero arrived at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to make a report.

Having accepted the invitation, Ajaero proceeded back to the NLC headquarters where he spoke to a group of NLC members who had assembled in support of him.

During his speech, Ajaero referred to the labour movement as the most devoted organization in the nation. He assured that despite any hardships encountered, it’s patriotism would not be sacrificed by the union.

The police invitation extended to him sparked controversy, with the NLC and other labor unions accusing the Federal Government of trying to bully labor leaders.

Following a raid by the police on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja, an invitation was extended.

“Targeting Labour Officials with Harassment”

Labour members gathered at the NLC headquarters in support of their president, condemning the police invitation prior to accepting it.

According to the council, the accusations against Ajaero were fabricated and driven by political motives aimed at muffling organized labor.

Ajaero was informed that the police invitation had insufficient notice, prompting a request for his appearance to be postponed.

Concerned about Ajaero’s potential detention, the NLC leadership cautioned that they would initiate a nationwide strike if their president were to be apprehended.

The Federal Government has been accused of harassing the union’s leaders, leading to its members and affiliates being placed on red alert.

On August 20th, the National Executive Council of the organization held an emergency meeting during which Comrade Minjibir Ado, Deputy President of Congress, issued a warning.

Reacting, Amnesty International states

The police attack on Ajaero was also condemned by Amnesty International Nigeria, a global humanitarian organization.

On August 20, the Director of the organization, Isa Sanusi signed a statement that characterizes Nigerian authorities’ allegations towards Ajaero and its leaders regarding terrorism financing as an effort to intimidate unionists.

The international group responded after the NLC threatened a nationwide strike if Ajaero is detained by the police.

In light of recent events, Sanusi expressed Amnesty International’s alarm over Nigerian authorities’ renewed efforts to intimidate and harass the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero. The organization implores those in power to end their flagrant disregard for justice and allow labour unions the freedom to express their opinions on government policies without fear of repercussions.

International human rights law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights ensure that freedom of association is protected, rendering it unlawful to victimize workers for their involvement in trade unions. The Nigerian government has a duty not just to uphold labor rights but also prevent any violation of these guaranteed liberties.