The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, is set to appear before the Nigerian Police today for questioning related to several serious allegations. Ajaero was summoned following an invitation issued on August 19, 2024.
The police have called him in for questioning over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
Ajaero is expected to arrive at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Complex, located at the Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction in Abuja, at 10 a.m. He will be accompanied by other NLC leaders and legal representatives.
The police invitation has sparked concerns among local and international civil rights organizations, raising fears about the potential impact on workers’ rights and civil liberties in Nigeria. Many groups worry that the case could lead to a larger crackdown on organized labor and civil society.
The NLC has warned that a nationwide strike could occur if the police detain Ajaero. Speaking to a news outlet, NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, Comrade Benson Upah, expressed hope that the police would handle the situation “lawfully and responsibly.”
He stressed that how the police conduct themselves today would be crucial, noting that it could either ease or heighten tensions between the government and the labor community.
“Ajaero will appear today; it depends on what the police do. I’m hoping that the police, as a responsible organization, conduct themselves well,” Upah stated.
