Labour leader’s arrest sparks protests and concerns over government suppression
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, was released on bail by the Department of State Security (DSS) late Monday night, just minutes before the midnight deadline set by the union. Ajaero had been arrested earlier that day at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en route to the United Kingdom for an official engagement.
Ajaero’s arrest sparked an immediate reaction from organized labour, with the NLC threatening to initiate nationwide protests if he was not released by midnight. He had been scheduled to attend the British Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference in London.
Multiple sources, including NLC officials and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, confirmed Ajaero’s release around 11:25 p.m. Activist Omoyele Sowore also announced the release on social media.
Earlier in the day, the NLC had mobilized its over 50 affiliate unions in preparation for protests, calling for a complete shutdown of essential services if Ajaero remained in custody. The union viewed the arrest as an attack on workers’ rights amidst ongoing economic challenges in Nigeria.
Ajaero’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, explained that the labour leader had previously informed the DSS of his official trip and had agreed to meet with them upon his return from the UK. Despite this, he was arrested at the airport without a warrant.
According to security sources, Ajaero’s arrest was related to allegations of terrorism financing, similar to previous charges leveled against him by the Nigerian police. The DSS reportedly intercepted him after he failed to honor an invitation to address a petition concerning national security matters.
As tensions rose, the DSS also raided the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), seeking to question its directors. SERAP, a legal and advocacy organization, condemned the raid, calling it an unlawful invasion and urging President Bola Tinubu to stop the harassment of civil society groups.
The NLC, in an emergency meeting, condemned Ajaero’s detention, describing it as an attempt to stifle dissent and suppress the voices of Nigerian workers. They demanded his immediate release and placed all affiliates on high alert, prepared to take further action if necessary.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Amnesty International, and several prominent figures, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana, condemning the government’s actions. Falana called for the prosecution of those responsible for the DSS raid on SERAP’s office.
While Ajaero has been released, the episode has raised concerns about the state of civil liberties and government interference in Nigeria’s democratic processes, with many calling for greater vigilance to protect workers’ rights and freedom of expression.
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