NLC President Joe Ajaero Summoned by Police for Terrorism Investigation, Union Calls Emergency Meeting
The Nigeria Police Force has summoned Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for questioning over allegations related to criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, and other serious charges.
This development, which has sparked widespread concern, was disclosed in a letter of invitation issued by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police, dated August 19, 2024.
Benson Upah, Head of Media and Information at the NLC, disclosed in a statement that the letter, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence, specifically mentioned that Ajaero’s name had come up in ongoing investigations linked to “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
Ajaero has been directed to appear at the IRT Complex in Guzape, Abuja, by 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 20th. The letter also warned that a warrant for his arrest would be issued if he failed to comply.
Ajaero’s invitation comes barely three weeks after the NLC headquarters in Abuja was raided by security personnel who claimed they had intel suggesting that the Union financed the recent hunger protests in the country.
Benson Upah expressed the Union’s suspicion regarding the motives behind the police’s actions, particularly in light of the fact that Congress had advised the government to engage in dialogue with the protest organisers and had clearly stated that it was not involved in the protest.
“The question on the lips of those in the know is, who wants Joe Ajaero out of circulation?” Upah stated, highlighting the growing concern over the intentions behind this investigation.
In response to this unexpected development, the leadership of the NLC has called for an emergency meeting today to discuss the situation.
“I bring you fraternal greetings from the Congress headquarters,” NLC’s Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, said in a statement titled “Notice of Emergency National Executive Council Meeting.”
“You are invited to the emergency National Executive Council Hybrid meeting scheduled as follows: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 8:00 AM at Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House.”
