Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has opened up about his recent arrest and prolonged questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS), which led to a 15-hour detention.
Ajaero was apprehended on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as he prepared to travel to the United Kingdom for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event.
In an interview, Ajaero revealed that his detention was tied to an investigation involving alleged terrorism financing, with DSS agents questioning him about a British national, Andrew Wynne.
He further stated that during his time at the DSS facility, both DSS agents and police officers interrogated him about his involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests from August. His arrest has triggered widespread condemnation from labor unions, human rights groups, and civil society organizations.
The NLC swiftly condemned the detention, issuing an ultimatum for Ajaero’s release by Tuesday midnight, warning of mass mobilization of affiliates and allies if their demand was not met.
