Abuja, Nigeria — Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has been released from custody by security operatives. Vanguard reported that Ajaero was released at approximately 11:10 p.m. on Monday.
The Department of State Services (DSS) granted administrative bail to Ajaero following his arrest earlier in the day. Ajaero was detained at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while traveling to the United Kingdom for an official engagement. His detention sparked significant backlash from various quarters, including numerous organizations, civil society groups, activists, and prominent individuals.
The NLC, in particular, condemned the arrest and called for Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release. Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana was among the critics who denounced the arrest during a media chat on Monday. The National Administrative Council of the NLC, led by Deputy President Adeyanju Adewale, characterized the arrest as “brazen and illegal” and a clear violation of both workers’ rights and democratic values online report stated.
