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| Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) |
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), after a prolonged detention. According to reports, Ajaero was freed late on Monday, September 9, 2024, around 11pm.
Ajaero's arrest occurred earlier that day at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where he was detained for approximately 15 hours. The labour leader was on his way to the United Kingdom for an official engagement when he was apprehended by the DSS.
Despite his release, Ajaero revealed that the DSS seized his travel passport. His detention had sparked widespread concern and condemnation from various civil society groups, human rights activists, and the NLC itself, which described the arrest as "brazen and illegal" and a clear violation of workers' rights and democratic values.
The NLC had issued an ultimatum demanding Ajaero's immediate and unconditional release, which was eventually met with his release on administrative bail.
The labour leader confirming his release to news media, said though he was detained by the DSS, some police officers also came around to grill him at the DSS office in Abuja over the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests that took place in August.
Ajaero said he was quizzed over alleged terrorism financing involving a British national, Andrew Wynne.
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.
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