Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.
Chronicle NG gathered that Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
Ajaero was scheduled to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today.
The Police had resummoned the Nigeria Labour Congress, President, and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja to appear at the Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024.
The new summons comes less than 24 hours after Ajaero met with the police to discuss alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime charges.
According to an invitation letter dated August 28, 2024, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, FID, Abuja, entitled “Investigation activities, an invitation letter,” this time the NLC President and General Secretary are to answer questions on alleged criminal intimidation, conduct likely to disrupt public order, and malicious property damage.
However, the anticipated second grilling of Ajaero by the police did not take place on Thursday because Ajaero and the NLC Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, who was also invited, did not appear at the police headquarters in Abuja.
Our correspondent, who was at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja, where the labour leaders were scheduled to appear for interrogation, saw neither Ajaero nor Ugboaja.
However, a person acquainted with the case stated that the NLC officials had informed investigators that they would be unavailable for Thursday.
“They did not show up. I am aware they have written those handling their case that they wouldn’t be coming today. They asked them to expect them on September 25,” the source said.
Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), counsel for the NLC, who accompanied the NLC president to the police headquarters for his first appearance on August 29, told one of our correspondents on Wednesday that the labour leaders will most likely attempt to postpone the interview.
Falana elaborated on Thursday, saying, “We wrote for another date because Comrade Joe Ajaero has an engagement outside Abuja today.”
