Ajaero questioning: We’re yet to hear last about raid — NLC
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reacted to the invitation extended to its president, Joe Ajaero, by the police for questioning over alleged terrorism financing among other allegations.
Giving details of the invitation, NLC spokesman Benson Upah said in a statement on Monday night, “The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero has been invited by the Nigeria Police Force for ‘interview’ on charges connected to ‘criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion and cyber crime’
“The letter of invitation signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of Commissioner of Police Intelligence dated August 19, 2024, says Ajaero’s name was mentioned in on-going investigations connected to ‘criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion and cyber crime’.
“Accordingly, the letter directed Ajaero to report at the IRT Complex, Abbattoir by Guzape Junction on Tuesday, August 20th at 10:00 threatening that a warrant of arrest would be issued against him if he failed to report.”
The invitation comes weeks after the police raided the national headquarters of NLC in Abuja.
Upah said a personal message sent to Ajaero by one SP Moshood read, “We were at the Labour House to submit this (letter of invitation) but the place was locked sir.”
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He said the NLC found it “curious” because its staff were in the office beyond 6pm.
The statement added, “We also note that Comrade Joe Ajaero was not addressed by his official title of President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Clearly, the last has not been heard about the raid on the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Preceding the raid, Congress had advised government to dialogue with the organisers of the protest even as Congress had cl early stated it was not part of the protest.
“Congress criticised the police for the high casualty rate during the protest.
“Congress in its NEC communique after the raid expressed outrage at the behaviour of the police and demanded for an apology from both the police and government.
“At its world press conference last Thursday, Congress had raised an alarm that should anything happen. to the leadership of the Congress or any of its members, the police should be held accountable.
“The question on the lips of those in the know is who wants Joe Ajaero out of circulation.”