The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Reports indicate that Ajaero was detained on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, just as he was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official engagement. Sources revealed that following his arrest, Ajaero was transferred to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Ajaero was reportedly on his way to attend a conference organized by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK. Prior to his arrest, Ajaero had requested a postponement of a police invitation that required both him and the NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, to appear for questioning. The labour leader had asked for the session, originally scheduled for September 5, 2024, to be moved to September 25, citing other commitments.
The police invitation followed allegations against Ajaero and Ugboaja, which included terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. However, during Ajaero’s first appearance at the police headquarters on August 29, his legal counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), hinted that a rescheduling might be necessary due to Ajaero’s obligations outside Abuja.
Maxwell Opara, Deputy Lead Counsel for the NLC President, revealed that the police interrogation primarily revolved around a tenant occupying a shop within the Labour Secretariat. Opara noted that despite the serious charges mentioned in the August 19 invitation letter, the meeting was brief and the expected discussions on terrorism and other accusations did not take place. However, Opara emphasized that the legal team remains vigilant as they await further developments.