DSS arrests NLC President Joe Ajaero at Abuja airport

September 09, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

According to sources, Ajaero was on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment, where he was scheduled to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today.

The NLC confirmed the arrest in a post on its official social media handle, describing it as an “assault on Nigerian workers”.

It reads, “The assault on Nigerian workers continues. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, was arrested and abducted by men of the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, this morning on his way to attend an official engagement of TUC United Kingdom, and he is now detained at the office of the NSA.

“This intimidation and assault must stop!!!”

“The arrest of our President, Joe Ajaero, by the DSS is an unacceptable and unjustified assault on Nigerian workers,” the NLC said. “We demand his immediate release and an explanation for this brazen act.”

Other union leaders have also condemned the arrest, describing it as a clear attempt to intimidate and silence labour leaders.

“This arrest is a clear abuse of power and a violation of Ajaero’s fundamental human rights,” said a union leader. “We will not stand idly by while our leaders are harassed and intimidated.”

The NLC and other labour unions are demanding Ajaero’s immediate release and an explanation for the arrest. The situation is developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.