Abuja, Nigeria – In a surprising turn of events, Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) earlier today at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He was apprehended while en route to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
Initial reports provided no clear reason for his arrest, sparking widespread speculation. However, there are strong indications that the arrest is not related to an earlier police summons regarding allegations of a “threat to public peace.”
This clarification came after the Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal counsel to the NLC, Femi Falana, contacted the DSS shortly after news of the arrest broke, seeking an explanation.
In response to Ajaero’s detention, the NLC expressed outrage. In a statement released by its Head of Media and Information, Benson Upah, the organization described the incident as an “abduction” and a blatant act of lawlessness by the Nigerian government. Upah further accused government agencies of attempting to suppress dissenting voices, particularly in light of growing dissatisfaction with the nation’s economic policies.
“This is an unmistakable demonstration of the 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,” the NLC statement read.
The arrest of Ajaero adds to the growing tension between the Nigerian government and labor leaders. On August 20, 2024, he declined to attend a scheduled police interview over serious allegations, including terrorism financing, further fueling speculation about the government’s motives.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on the Nigerian government for further clarification, while labor unions and civil rights groups rally to demand the immediate release of the NLC president.
