Senior Advocate of Nigeria and counsel to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Femi Falana, has clarified that the arrest of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, by DSS operatives on Monday is not connected to his previous police summons.
Ajaero had been summoned by the police over alleged “threat to public peace,” but the appointment was rescheduled prior to his sudden detention by the DSS.
According to reports, the DSS apprehended Ajaero at the airport while he was en route to the UK for the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Conference.
Falana informed reporters in Abuja that he had communicated with police authorities, who confirmed the arrest was not linked to their earlier invitation.
He stated, “Comrade Ajaero’s police invitation was rescheduled last week. I have spoken with the police, and his arrest has no connection to their invitation.”
The prominent human rights lawyer also expressed concern over the lack of transparency from the DSS regarding the reasons behind Ajaero’s detention, stating, “Comrade Ajaero was headed to London to attend the TUC Conference when he was detained by the DSS at the airport today. No explanation has been provided for the arrest.”
As of now, neither the DSS nor the Federal Government has released an official statement explaining the circumstances of Ajaero’s detention.
The arrest has sparked unease among labour unions and civil rights groups, who are calling for Ajaero’s immediate release.
This incident arises amidst heightened tensions between the government and labour unions over issues such as workers’ welfare, fuel subsidy removal, and economic reforms, which have triggered nationwide strikes and protests.
Labour leaders have pledged to resist any form of suppression, with some sources within the NLC suggesting that industrial actions could be considered if Ajaero is not released promptly.
The arrest of such a key figure in Nigeria’s labour movement could escalate the standoff between the government and organised labour.
Comrade Ajaero has been a vocal defender of workers’ rights in Nigeria, playing a leading role in negotiations with the government on critical issues affecting the economy and the livelihoods of millions of Nigerian workers.
