Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has reportedly been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The arrest occurred on Monday, September 9, while Ajaero was en route to the UK for the Trade Union Congress conference.
The reasons behind Ajaero’s sudden detention remain unclear, and further details are awaited. The incident has generated significant concern within labour circles, with many eager for more information about the circumstances.
Recently, Ajaero had been invited by the DSS for questioning related to issues tied to the #EndBadGovernance protest and other allegations. He had complied with the invitation, accompanied by senior lawyer Femi Falana and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju.
In response to the arrest, the NLC has threatened to initiate a nationwide industrial action if their leader is detained. Comrade Ado Kabiru Sani, NLC’s Deputy President, urged the workforce to stay alert for further instructions, emphasizing their readiness to strike if necessary.
This development follows a recent alleged invasion of the NLC headquarters by security operatives, believed to be from the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force. The operatives reportedly arrested security guards and seized documents from the premises. The DSS has since denied involvement in the raid, with spokesman Peter Afunanya stating that the Service did not conduct any operation at the NLC office.