NLC President Joe Ajaero arrested by DSS

Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has been taken into custody by agents of the Department of State Service (DSS).

Vanguard learned that he was taken into custody this morning at the Abuja, Nigeria’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

When Ajaero was picked up by DSS, he was about to board a plane for an official assignment in the United Kingdom.

Sources claimed he has been turned over to the National Intelligence Agency, or NIA, despite the fact specifics surrounding the arrest and its motives remain hazy.

Ajaero was scheduled to attend the Trade Union Congress (TUC) meeting being held in the UK today, according to sources.

NLC threatens showdown
The NL has confirmed that “security operatives abducted its President, Joe Ajaero, and forcefully whisked him away without a warrant”.

Following the arrest, the NLC alerted all its affiliates, state councils, and Nigerian workers, urging them to remain vigilant and on high alert.

The NLC, in a statement by its Head Media/Information, Benson Upah, described the arrest as “an unmistakable demonstration of the height of lawlessness being perpetuated by the Nigerian government and its agencies in their bid to silence every voice of dissent and opposition in the country as the economic policies of the government continue to afflict the people with monumental suffering and hardship.”

Read the full story of NLC reaction HERE.

Summons, terrorism, felony allegations …
Recall that Ajaero has been on the radar of security agents recently.

The NLC President had Thursday, August 20, honoured an invitation by the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, arm of the Police Force.

This followed the Police summons on August 19, asking him to appear the next day, and threatening him with arrest should he fail to comply.

But Ajaero, through human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), wrote to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, explaining why he could not honour the summon on the said date.

He, however, informed the IGP that he would come on August 29, to respond to the alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.

True to his promise, Ajaero alongside Falana, Maxwell Opara, Deji Adeyanju, among other lawyers, and Labour leaders, went to the Force Headquarters to honour the Police summons.

Again, less than 24 hours later, the Police summoned the NLC President, and the General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, to appear at Force Headquarters on September 5.

This time around, the NLC President and the General Secretary are to answer questions over alleged criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to properties.

They are being invited by the Force Intelligence Department, FID, of the Nigeria Police Force, Force Headquarters.

The Police summons is dated August 28, 2024, entitled “Investigation activities. Invitation letter”.

It was signed by Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG, Force Intelligence Department, FID, Abuja.

The letter
The letter read: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties in which your name featured.

“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, FID, through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 a.m.

“On arrival, you may wish to call Usman on GSM number 08039659139.

“Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”

As promised, we will bring you details of the DSS and Ajaero latest.