The Department of State Service (DSS) might have succumbed to pressure over the arrested Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leader, Joe Ajaero, as the secret police eventually released the latter.
Ajaero was released late Monday by the Department of State Services, even as the government agency’s action had been greeted by widespread condemnation nationwide.
Ajaero was released at about 11.10p.m yesterday.
He was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Aiport in Abuja, on his way to London to attend the Trade Union Congress, TUC of the United Kingdom conference, which began yesterday. Ajaero arrest came as the secret police laid siege to the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, for allegedly asking the government to reverse the recent increase in the price of petrol.
SERAP has, however, asked President Bola Tinubu to direct the DSS to stop its attack.
Confirming Ajaero’s arrest, the Head of Information of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah, however, said the union had no idea on the whereabouts of Ajaero, saying he (Ajaero) it was the DSS that arrested him.
According to Vanguard, the Labour leader had been moved to the National Intelligence Agency, NIA.
His arrest came 11 days after he honoured an invitation by the Police on August 29, and was released the same day.
A day before he honoured the invitation, the police on August 28 re-invited Ajaero “in furtherance of investigations into an alleged case of criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties in which your name featured.”
“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, FID, through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department, FID, Complex, Shehu Shagari way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11am.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr. Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please,” the police invitation read.
