Operatives of the Department of the State Services (DSS) have arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero.
Sources confirmed that Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to the United Kingdom where he was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference in London, which began today.
Although details of the arrest and the reasons are still sketchy, another source said he has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Ajaero has been having running battle with Nigeria’s security agencies culminating in his being accused of treason, subversion, cybercrime and terrorism financing by the Nigeria Police.
A letter conveying the allegations and invitation to the NLC President was written to him by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence response Team (IRT), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Adamu S. Muazu, and dated Monday August 19, 2024.
According to the letter: “This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime in which you were mentioned.
“You are therefore invited to interview the undersigned on Tuesday 20th August, 2024 by 10.00Hrs, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja through the Team leader… in connection with the above investigation.
“Be informed that in the event of failing to honour this letter, this office will have no alternative than to activate a warrant of arrest against you please.”
On Thursday August 29, 2024, Ajaero honoured the invitation of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at its headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by labour leaders and lawyers.
