NLC President Ajaero opens up on 15-hour detention by DSS

Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has shared details of his experience in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) following his recent release.

In an interview with Channels Television, Ajaero revealed that he was detained for about 15 hours after his arrest on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The labour leader, who was on his way to the United Kingdom for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event, stated that the DSS interrogated him extensively from 7 a.m. until his release around 11 p.m. that same day.

While he was eventually allowed to go home, Ajaero disclosed that his travel passport was seized by the secret police.

He further explained that, in addition to the DSS, police officers visited the agency’s office to question him over the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests in August, and alleged involvement in terrorism financing alongside a British national, Andrew Wynne.

The NLC had condemned Ajaero’s arrest and gave the secret police Tuesday midnight to release the labour leader. The union had also put all its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies and all patriotic Nigerians on the highest state of alert in the light of “this troubling development.”

The TUC, global rights group Amnesty International, as well as human rights activist Femi Falana, amongst others, had berated the Federal Government for clamping down on the labour leader and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.

The NLC president had honoured police invitation over allegations of terrorism financing in late August, insisting on his innocence.

Ajaero was previously arrested last November in Imo State when he was about to lead a protest over unpaid workers’ salaries, amongst others.