Nigerian Police Summon NLC President Joe Ajaero Over Alleged Terrorism Links

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The Nigeria Police Force has summoned Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for questioning regarding alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities. According to a press release from the NLC, Ajaero was directed to report to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Complex in Abuja by 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. The summons was signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence, with a warning that a warrant for Ajaero's arrest would be issued if he failed to comply.

The letter to Ajaero stated, “You are therefore required to report to the undersigned for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at 10:00 hrs prompt, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team Leader on telephone no 08035179870, in connection with the above investigation. Be informed that if you fail to honour this letter, this office will have no choice but to issue a warrant for your arrest.”

Ajaero is reportedly linked to ongoing investigations involving charges of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, and cybercrime. The NLC's Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Benson Upah, suggested that the invitation is connected to the recent raid on the NLC headquarters by police operatives.

"Clearly, the last has not been heard about the raid on the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress," Upah said in a statement.

Background

Tensions between the Nigerian Police and the NLC have been escalating since July 2024, following a raid on the NLC headquarters by masked police operatives. The raid was allegedly linked to claims that labour union members were involved in sponsoring the #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1, 2024. The protests, driven by public frustration over rising living costs and economic hardships, eventually led to calls for regime change.

In response, the NLC issued a press release signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, condemning the government's violent response to the protests and criticizing its "anti-poor" policies, which they claimed were influenced by the World Bank and IMF. The NLC's National Executive Council (NEC) also denounced what they described as the government’s trivialization of treasonable felony charges against peaceful protesters.

"The continuous trivialisation of treasonable felony by Government operatives abuses and makes a mockery of it as a high crime against the state," the NEC stated.

The NLC further criticized the government's interference in union affairs, particularly actions taken by the Minister of Labour and the Registrar of Trade Unions. The NEC warned that if such interference continued, the union might instruct its members to stay home for their safety.

The ongoing conflict highlights the growing friction between the Nigerian government and labor unions, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation.