NLC president, Ajaero recounts 15-hour detention by DSS

Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has shared his ordeal after being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) for 15 hours.

In an interview with Channels Television, Ajaero revealed that he was arrested on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while heading to the United Kingdom for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event.

According to Ajaero, he was interrogated by the DSS from 7 a.m. until his release at 11 p.m. the same day. While he was eventually allowed to leave, his travel passport was confiscated by the DSS.

The labour leader also disclosed that, in addition to the DSS questioning, police officers visited the agency’s office to question him regarding his alleged involvement in terrorism financing, along with a British national, Andrew Wynne, and his role in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests in August.

Ajaero’s detention sparked outrage among labour unions and human rights groups. The NLC condemned the arrest and issued an ultimatum, demanding Ajaero’s release by Tuesday midnight.

They also urged their affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and Nigerians to remain on high alert.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Amnesty International, and prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana also criticized the government’s actions, calling for Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release.

Ajaero had earlier been invited by the police in late August over allegations of terrorism financing, a claim he firmly denies. This is not the first time the NLC president has faced arrest; he was previously detained in Imo State in November 2023 while preparing to lead a protest over unpaid workers’ salaries.

The ongoing developments have drawn attention to government-labour relations in Nigeria, as the NLC continues to advocate for workers’ rights amidst increasing tensions.