DSS Arrests NLC President Joe Ajaero at Abuja Airport As Labour Union Decries ‘Brazen Act of Intimidation’
In a dramatic turn of events, the Department of State for Services (DSS) has arrested Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The arrest occurred on Monday as Ajaero was en route to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
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Arrest at the Airport
According to Mr. Benson Upah, Head of Information at the NLC, Ajaero was detained by DSS agents while preparing to board his flight to London, where he was scheduled to attend the Trade Union Congress conference. The union has since been unable to ascertain Ajaero’s whereabouts, though he managed to send a message confirming his detention by the DSS.
Union’s Outcry
In a strongly worded statement, the NLC condemned the arrest, describing it as an unlawful and intimidating act. “We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument,” the statement read. “Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive. His detention is therefore a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body.”
The union further criticized the DSS’s actions as an affront to democratic and natural rights, emphasizing that Ajaero’s detention is unjustified under Nigerian law.
Background of the Arrest
Ajaero’s arrest comes just a week after he honored a police invitation on August 28. He was released the following day after being questioned over allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The police had requested his presence for further investigations into alleged criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to properties.
Police Invitation and Labour’s Response
The police’s second invitation, dated September 5, 2024, also summoned the NLC’s Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja. Ajaero, accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and other supporters, reported to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Following the meeting, Ajaero addressed a crowd of NLC members, reaffirming the union’s commitment to patriotism and resilience in the face of challenges.
The police invitation and subsequent arrest have sparked widespread controversy, with the NLC and other labour unions accusing the Federal Government of attempting to silence and intimidate labour leaders. The controversy was further fueled by a recent night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja.
Solidarity and Potential Strike
In response to the arrest, NLC members gathered at their headquarters in solidarity with Ajaero, condemning the police’s actions as politically motivated. The union has warned that it will embark on a nationwide strike if Ajaero is not released promptly.
The unfolding situation has drawn significant attention, with many viewing it as a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. The NLC’s strong stance against the arrest underscores the ongoing tension between the government and organized labour in the country.
As the nation watches closely, the arrest of Joe Ajaero by the DSS raises serious questions about the state of civil liberties and the treatment of labour leaders in Nigeria. The NLC’s call for a nationwide strike signals a potential escalation in the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and resolution.
