The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Ajaero was on his way to attend a conference of the Trade Union Congress in London when he was detained.
The NLC has condemned the arrest, describing it as an assault on Nigerian workers. Ajaero had previously been invited by the police for questioning over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, and treasonable felony.
The police alleged a link between Ajaero and a Briton, Andrew Wynne, who is accused of financing a recent protest in the country with the aim of overthrowing the government. Ajaero had been asked to appear again on September 5, alongside the NLC General Secretary, to answer questions over alleged criminal intimidation and malicious damage to property.
The DSS arrest is seen as a continuation of the intimidation and assault on Nigerian workers, according to the NLC. The labour organization has called for an end to the harassment and intimidation of its leaders.
Ajaero’s arrest has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for his immediate release. The incident has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic principles and the rights of workers to express themselves freely.
