Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Femi Falana, has responded to the Nigeria Police on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, explaining why Ajaero cannot attend an invitation related to allegations of terrorism financing and other serious offenses.
The police had summoned Ajaero to appear at the Force Headquarters on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. However, according to Chief Falana, Ajaero had a prior commitment scheduled before receiving the police’s notice.
The invitation letter from the police was reportedly received on Monday, giving Ajaero little time to adjust his schedule. Due to this, Falana confirmed that the NLC President would not be able to honor the invitation on the requested date but would be available for the meeting on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.
In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police through Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mohammed Ahmed Sanusi, Falana also requested that the police provide more details regarding the allegations against Ajaero. These charges include criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
The letter to the Police titled: “Re: Letter of invitation,” which was signed by Samuel Ogala, read: “We are Solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on whose behalf we write this letter in respect of the above subject matter.
“We have the instructions of Comrade Joe Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 in view of the fact that your invitation letter was received by him yesterday. He has an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter.
“Therefore, Comrade Ajaero is prepared for your interview on Wednesday, August 29, 2024. Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered, Comrade Ajaero requests for the details and nature of the allegations of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime levelled against him.
“While awaiting your positive response to this letter, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.”
