The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, and the General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, have been summoned by the Nigeria Police Force to appear at Force Headquarters in Abuja on September 5, 2024.
This fresh invitation comes less than 24 hours after Ajaero previously honored a police summons regarding allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
The latest summons, dated August 28, 2024, and signed by Commissioner of Police Ibitoye Rufus Alajide on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), requires Ajaero and Ugboaja to answer questions related to alleged criminal intimidation, actions likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to properties.
The Police summons is dated August 28, 2024, entitled “Investigation activities. Invitation letter”, and signed by Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG, Force Intelligence Department, FID, Abuja.
The letter read: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties in which your name featured.
“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, FID, through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 a.m.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Usman on GSM number 08039659139.
“Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
Previously, Ajaero had been summoned on August 19, 2024, and was asked to appear the next day. Although he did not make the initial date, he informed the Inspector General of Police through his legal representative, Femi Falana (SAN), that he would attend on August 29, which he subsequently did along with other legal and labour representatives.
Addressing journalists after his recent visit to the Force Headquarters, Ajaero firmly stated that the labour movement could not be intimidated. He described the allegations against him as “baseless” and reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers.
“We can’t be intimidated,” Ajaero asserted. “The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.” He further noted that challenges like these are part of the job, recalling similar experiences in the past.
Ajaero reiterated the NLC’s dedication to advocating for workers’ welfare and ensuring the implementation of policies that benefit them, including the newly achieved minimum wage. Despite the accusations, Ajaero expressed that the union would not be deterred and would continue to fight for workers’ rights across Nigeria.
“Our resolve is stronger than ever. We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles,” Ajaero concluded.
