Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), early this morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to Vanguard sources, Ajaero was apprehended while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official engagement.
Reports suggest he has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), though details surrounding the arrest remain unclear.
Ajaero was set to attend the Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference in the UK, scheduled for today. Reacting swiftly, the NLC confirmed the arrest, describing it as an abduction carried out without a warrant.
In a statement by the NLC’s Head of Media and Information, Benson Upah, the congress condemned the act 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.”
The NLC called on its affiliates, state councils, and Nigerian workers to stay vigilant and on high alert, hinting at possible retaliatory action.
Ajaero’s arrest follows recent interactions with security agencies.
On August 20, he had honored a summons from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Police Force after receiving a notice on August 19, threatening arrest for non-compliance.
Ajaero, through his legal representative, Femi Falana (SAN), had requested a postponement until August 29, when he appeared to address allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
Less than 24 hours later, on September 5, the police issued another summons for Ajaero and NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, to appear at Force Headquarters.
This latest invitation relates to allegations of criminal intimidation, breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property. The NLC leadership is expected to answer these charges at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja.
In their official invitation, the police requested Ajaero and Ugboaja to report on September 5 at 11 a.m., stating, “Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
