OPERATIVES of the Department of the State Services have arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero.
News Point Nigeria gathered that Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
The NLC president was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today.
Head of Information of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah, confirmed the arrest to News Point Nigeria.
Upah said the union does not know where Ajaero had been taken but he had sent a message saying it was the DSS that arrested him.
One of the sources, who was familiar with the development, confided in our correspondent that he was arrested over alleged terrorism financing – the allegations police had earlier levelled against him.
This newspaper had reported that Ajearo along with the Secretary General of the union, Emmanuel Ugboaja were invited by the Nigerian Police over alleged terrorism financing charges.
The invitation letter was dated August 28, 2024, a day before Ajaero honoured an earlier invitation at the Force Headquarters Abuja.
The letter signed by CP Rufus Alajide for Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, said the latest invitation is in furtherance of investigation into alleged “criminal intimidation, malicious damage to properties and conducts likely to cause breach of public peace”.
The invitation seen by News Point Nigeria on Friday, August 30th, 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 or an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu hagari way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September, 2024 at 11am.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr. Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
The NLC President was earlier invited by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), over allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
Ajaero reported at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday morning, August 29th, accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and others.
After honouring the invitation, Ajaero returned to the NLC headquarters where he addressed a crowd of NLC members who had gathered in solidarity with him.