The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has clarified that its president, Joe Ajaero, did not ignore an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), contrary to some reports. In a statement released on Wednesday, September 11, an NLC representative emphasized that Ajaero is a law-abiding individual who respects the summons of law enforcement agencies.
On Monday, September 9, Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom, where he had been invited by the UK’s Trade Union Congress (TUC). Following his arrest, the NLC alerted its affiliates, state councils, and Nigerian workers to remain vigilant and demanded Ajaero’s unconditional release before midnight. He was eventually released on Monday night.
Reports indicated that Ajaero was arrested for allegedly not responding to a police invitation related to a petition from Air Peace Airlines and failing to attend a DSS invitation over an alleged extortion case. The presidency responded by asserting that Ajaero, like all citizens, is not above the law and must comply with law enforcement summons.
However, the NLC urged the public to disregard claims that Ajaero ignored the DSS invitation. The representative clarified that in the days leading up to his arrest, Ajaero had a cordial interaction with the DSS Director-General during a courtesy visit. Additionally, a DSS director contacted the NLC’s general secretary to arrange a date for the visit, but the general secretary informed the director that he would be unavailable until Friday, September 13. The director assured the NLC that they would receive at least 48 hours’ notice for the visit.
The DSS Director-General last spoke with Ajaero on the evening of Saturday, September 7. During their conversation, Ajaero mentioned his upcoming travel plans, stating he would be departing the next day, Sunday, September 8, and suggesting that the courtesy visit be rescheduled for after his return on Friday, September 13. Ajaero missed his flight on Sunday and rescheduled it for Monday, September 9. On the morning of his departure, DSS operatives apprehended him during a watch list operation conducted on behalf of another agency.
The NLC reiterated that Ajaero is a responsible leader of Nigeria’s largest pan-national organization, known for its patriotism. As a respected international trade unionist who serves on the executive boards of global trade union federations, Ajaero’s commitment extends beyond Nigeria. The NLC affirmed that it is not in Ajaero’s nature to disregard invitations from law enforcement, citing his history of compliance, including honoring a previous police invitation, as evidence of his respect for legal processes.
