The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), following his arrest earlier today. Ajaero, who was on his way to the United Kingdom for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event, was detained at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 7 am on Monday.
After a grueling 15-hour interrogation, Ajaero was allowed to go home around 11 pm. Despite his release, the DSS seized his travel passport. During his detention, Ajaero faced questioning not only by DSS operatives but also by police officers about the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place in August.
The labour leader was interrogated about allegations of terrorism financing linked to British national Andrew Wynne. These accusations have stirred significant controversy, leading to widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and global human rights organizations like Amnesty International.
The NLC had promptly condemned Ajaero’s arrest and issued an ultimatum for his release. The union also mobilized its affiliates and civil society allies to remain on high alert over what it termed a “troubling development.”
Human rights activists, including Femi Falana, have criticized the Federal Government’s actions, demanding Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release. This incident follows a similar arrest last November, when Ajaero was detained in Imo State during a protest over unpaid workers’ salaries.
