‘A shameless act of lawlessness,’ the NLC condemned Ajaero’s arrest by the DSS

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reacted to the arrest of its president, Joe Ajaero, by officers of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The NLC chief was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while travelling to the UK on official duties.

Ajaero’s arrest came weeks after he was booked by police on suspicion of financing terrorism, treason, cybercrime and other related offences.

In a statement issued by the Chief of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, the congress described the arrests as a blatant act of lawlessness and intimidation.

It is alleged that Ajaero was detained without a valid warrant or any formal instrument.

The NLC expressed disappointment that Ajaero’s whereabouts were unknown hours after his arrest.

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The statement read: “This morning, the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, was arrested and taken away by agents of the Nigerian State while on his way to the UK at the invitation of the UK Trade Union Congress (TUC).

“Comrade Ajaero will attend and address the global workers’ meeting on behalf of Nigerian workers at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in the UK, a platform where critical discussions on workers’ rights, social justice and economic justice are held.

“We have not been able to confirm his whereabouts or his health condition because all our efforts to contact him have been fruitless.

“We wish to state categorically that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any official warrant or formal instrument. Joe Ajaero is not a wanted man. Therefore, his detention is a blatant act of lawlessness and intimidation as he has not been declared a wanted man by any law enforcement agency.

“His detention is an outrageous act of intimidation and is completely unjustified under the laws of our country. The mere thought of not only stopping a lawful citizen from traveling but also depriving him of his liberty is an affront to our democratic and human rights as a people and as workers.”

The NLC demands the immediate release of its president.

“In light of this disturbing development, Congress has placed all its affiliates, the State Council, civil society allies and all patriotic Nigerians on the highest level of alert. Congress will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon. We therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of comrade Joe Ajaero,” he added.

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