The president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has been invited by the Nigeria Police Force for questioning in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.
The letter of invitation was dated August 19, 2024 and signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner, at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Department of Force Intelligence.
The letter, which was titled Letter of Invitation, warned that failure to honour the summon could lead to the arrest of Ajaero.
It reads in part: “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 August, 2024 by 10:00 a.m. 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.”
The invitation of Ajaero may not be unconnected with a recent raid on its headquarters in Abuja by a combined team of security forces led by the police.
After the raid, the NLC accused the federal government of waging a war against them and demanded an apology, return of seized items, and the release of detained personnel of its secretariat.
At a press conference in Abuja the NLC also condemned attempt by government to interfere with its internal affairs, including a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders, saying such actions violate labour laws and international conventions.
However, while defending the raid, Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi said the police acted in the best interest of the country and was not on any mission to embarrass the union.
According to him, contrary to claims by the NLC leadership, the security agents did not go to the main (tenth) floor of the NLC but the second floor used as an office by an alleged international terrorist suspect.
Adejobi explained that the raid followed credible reports of evidence against the international terrorist suspect, and the police were able to cart away incriminating things against the wanted man, said to have multiple identities.
