PeakNews Online
The Nigerian Police Force has summoned Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for questioning over serious allegations including terrorism financing, treasonable felony, and cyber-crime.
In a letter signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team, Ajaero was instructed to report to the police for an interview on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. The letter warned that failure to comply would result in a warrant for his arrest.
“This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cyber-crime in which you have been implicated,” the letter stated. Ajaero has been asked to appear at the Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, at 10:00 AM on the specified date.
The NLC’s Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Benson Upah, confirmed the police invitation in a statement. Upah linked the development to the recent raid on the NLC headquarters in Abuja, describing the situation as “curious.” According to Upah, the police tried to deliver the invitation to Ajaero at the Labour House but found it locked, despite staff being present beyond 6 PM.
“We also note that Comrade Joe Ajaero was not addressed by his official title of President of the Nigeria Labour Congress,” Upah added, questioning the intent behind the police actions.
This summons follows a controversial raid on the NLC headquarters by security operatives. The police claimed the raid was part of an operation to uncover incriminating documents linked to an international “subversive” element threatening Nigeria’s democracy. However, the NLC leadership has strongly denied any connection to such activities, demanding an apology from the police and the government.
At a press conference last week, Upah described the police’s justification for the raid as “laughable” and challenged the authorities to produce evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of the NLC.
As the situation unfolds, the NLC has expressed concerns over the safety of its leadership and members, stating that any harm to them should be attributed to the police.
