The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) confirmed on Monday evening that its President, Joe Ajaero, has been invited by the police in connection with allegations of terrorism financing.
The NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, disclosed this in a statement made available to the press.
According to reports, Ajaero was summoned for an “interview” concerning charges related to “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.” The invitation letter, dated August 19, 2024, was signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence.
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The letter indicated that Ajaero’s name surfaced during ongoing investigations into the alleged crimes and instructed him to report to the IRT Complex, Abbattoir, near Guzape Junction, on Tuesday, August 20, at 10 a.m. The letter also warned that a warrant of arrest would be issued if Ajaero failed to comply.
In the statement, Upah remarked on the manner in which the invitation was delivered. He quoted a message from SP Moshood, who stated, “We were at the Labour House to submit this (letter of invitation) but the place was locked, sir.”
Upah found the situation puzzling, as he claimed that staff members were still present in the office past 6 p.m. He also noted that the letter did not address Ajaero by his official title as NLC President, raising further suspicions. “Clearly, the last has not been heard about the raid on the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress,” Upah stated.
Upah also highlighted the events leading up to the invitation, referencing a previous raid on the NLC headquarters by security forces. The raid occurred on July 7, when security agents, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and individuals in plainclothes, stormed the NLC’s national secretariat in Abuja. The agents reportedly arrested the security guards on duty and demanded access to offices on the second floor.
The police later claimed responsibility for the raid, explaining that it was part of an effort to gather evidence against an international “subversive” figure perceived as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. However, the NLC has rejected the police’s explanation, demanding the release of its arrested members and seized documents.
In his statement, Upah recalled that the NLC had previously advised the government to engage in dialogue with the organisers of a hunger protest. He also noted that the congress had criticized the police for the high casualty rate during the protest and had demanded an apology from both the police and the government.
Upah further expressed concerns for the safety of NLC members, stating, “The question on the lips of those in the know is: Who wants Joe Ajaero out of circulation?”
