BREAKING: DSS Releases NLC President Ajaero, Seizes His Passport

Following his arrest, the DSS has released NLC President Joe Ajaero but seized his passport, sparking reactions from labor unions and raising concerns about ongoing investigations.

According to reports from Channels Television, Joe Ajaero, the labor leader who was in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), has been released.

Ajaero informed our correspondent that he was released by the secret police and permitted to return home at approximately 11 pm on Monday.

The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress reported that he was interrogated for approximately 15 hours following his detention at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, which occurred around 7 am.

The secret police seized Ajaero’s travel passport, according to him.

The head of the labour union recounted being apprehended by the DSS and interrogated by a group of police officials at their Abuja office regarding the widespread #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held in August.

According to Ajaero, he underwent questioning regarding accusations of financing terrorism that implicated a British citizen named Andrew Wynne.

READ ALSO: UPDATED: DSS Arrests NLC President Ajaero at Abuja Airport

On Monday, the labor leader was headed to attend a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event in the United Kingdom when he got apprehended at Abuja airport.

Ajaero’s arrest was condemned by the NLC, who demanded that the secret police release the labour leader before Tuesday midnight. Additionally, in response to “this troubling development,” all affiliates of the union, state councils and civil society allies were put on high alert along with patriotic Nigerians.

Various entities such as the TUC, Amnesty International – a global human rights group- and activist Femi Falana criticized the Federal Government’s actions in arresting the labor leader. They collectively advocated for his instantaneous and unconditional release.

In late August, the NLC president was invited by the police to respond to allegations of financing terrorism and he complied. Throughout his interaction with them, he maintained that he was innocent.

Last November in Imo State, Ajaero was arrested just as he was about to lead a protest demanding payment of workers’ salaries and other grievances.