The Nigeria Police Force has invited Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for questioning in connection with a range of serious allegations, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
The formal invitation was issued in a letter signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence and dated August 19, 2024.
According to the letter, Ajaero’s name surfaced in ongoing investigations related to the aforementioned charges. The letter directs Ajaero to appear at the IRT Complex, Abbattoir by Guzape Junction, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The communication also warns that a warrant for Ajaero’s arrest will be issued if he fails to comply with the request.
A personal message from SP Moshood to Ajaero revealed that attempts to deliver the invitation letter in person at the Labour House were unsuccessful due to the building being locked. This detail was shared in a statement by Mr. Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs for the NLC.
Upah’s statement also noted that the letter did not address Ajaero by his official title, raising concerns within the NLC. The Congress has been vocal in its criticism of the police’s handling of recent events, including a raid on the NLC headquarters.
In a recent communique issued following the raid, the NLC expressed outrage at the police’s actions and demanded apologies from both the police and the government.
The Congress has maintained that while it advised the government to engage with protest organizers, it was not directly involved in the protest itself. The NLC also condemned the high casualty rate during the protests, further fueling tensions between the labor organization and the authorities.
The situation surrounding Ajaero’s invitation adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing disputes between the NLC and the Nigerian government. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact labor relations and public sentiment in the country.