In a startling development, the Nigeria Police Force has summoned Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, for questioning regarding allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, and a host of related offences.
The invitation, signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team, ominously warned that a warrant for Ajaero’s arrest will be issued should he fail to comply.
The letter states: “This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime in which you were mentioned.
“You are therefore invited to interview the undersigned on Tuesday 20th Aug, 2024 by 10:00hrs prompt, at IRT Complex, Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team Leader with telephone no 08035179870 in connection with the above investigation.
“Be informed that in the event of failing to honour this letter, this office will have no alternative than to activate a warrant of arrest against you please.
As of this report, Ajaero has not issued a statement to this effect.
It could be recalled that the NLC had accused the government of launching an orchestrated assault against the organization, following a recent, alarming raid on its headquarters by armed security forces.
During a press conference in Abuja last Thursday, NLC leaders vehemently rejected the police’s justification for the raid. They demanded a formal apology, the return of seized property, and the immediate release of detained personnel.
The NLC also condemned the government’s insidious attempts to interfere with its internal governance, notably a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders, asserting that such moves blatantly violate labor laws and international conventions.
It is essential to note that police representatives have maintained their claim that the raid on the NLC headquarters aimed to apprehend an international terrorist suspect—a defense the NLC has fiercely countered as a transparent cover-up, pointing out glaring inconsistencies in the police account.