Again, Police Summon NLC President Ajaero, General Secretary Over Alleged Criminal Intimidation, Property Damage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, have been summoned by the Nigerian Police to appear at the Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024. This new summons comes less than 24 hours after Ajaero honored a previous invitation by the police over serious allegations including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.

According to an invitation letter dated August 28, 2024, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), the NLC leaders are now being called to answer questions regarding alleged criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property.

The letter stated, “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause 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) on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 am.”

This recent development follows an earlier police summons on August 19, where Ajaero was ordered to appear on August 20, with a threat of arrest if he failed to comply. Ajaero, however, through human rights lawyer Femi Falana, informed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of his inability to attend on the specified date but committed to appearing on August 29.

True to his word, Ajaero, accompanied by Falana, and other lawyers and labour leaders, attended the summons at the Force Headquarters on August 29.

After his meeting with the police, Ajaero addressed journalists, asserting that the NLC would not be intimidated by the allegations. He dismissed the claims as baseless, stating, “We can’t be intimidated. The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.”

Reflecting on the challenges faced by labour leaders, Ajaero highlighted the continuous struggle for workers’ rights, noting that the NLC remains undeterred by any form of intimidation. “Our resolve is stronger than ever. We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles,” he said.

Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Ajaero emphasized that the NLC’s commitment to defending Nigerian workers remains unwavering, and that the union will continue to stand firm in the face of challenges.