The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), following a 15-hour interrogation. Ajaero, who was detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday morning, confirmed his release to our correspondent around 11pm the same day.
The labour leader was en route to the United Kingdom for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event when he was arrested. During his detention, Ajaero reported being questioned by both DSS and police officers about the August #EndBadGovernance protests and alleged terrorism financing involving British national Andrew Wynne.
The DSS has seized Ajaero’s travel passport, restricting his movements. The NLC condemned his arrest, demanding his release by Tuesday midnight and placing all its affiliates on high alert. Global rights groups, including Amnesty International, and human rights activists like Femi Falana have criticized the Federal Government for its actions and called for Ajaero’s immediate release.
This incident follows a similar arrest last November when Ajaero was detained in Imo State over a planned protest regarding unpaid workers’ salaries. Despite his previous arrest and ongoing scrutiny, Ajaero has consistently maintained his innocence.