The Nigerian Police Force has summoned Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for an investigation over serious allegations, including terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime, and related offences.
The invitation was detailed in a letter dated August 19, 2024, signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team. The letter warned that failure to comply with the invitation would result in the issuance of a warrant for Ajaero's arrest.
The letter stated: "This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime in which you have been implicated. You are required to report for an interview on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja. Failure to honor this letter will compel this office to issue a warrant for your arrest."
In response, Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, suggested that this invitation might be connected to the recent police raid on the union's headquarters. Upah remarked, "Clearly, the last has not been heard about the raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress headquarters."
He added that prior to the raid, the NLC had urged the government to engage in dialogue with the protest organizers, clarifying that the union was not involved in the protest. The NLC had also criticized the police for the high casualty rate during the protests and demanded an apology from both the police and the government.
At a recent press conference, the NLC had warned that if anything happened to its leadership or members, the police should be held responsible. Upah concluded with a question circulating among observers: "Who wants Joe Ajaero out of circulation?"
