JUST IN: DSS Releases NLC President Ajaero on Bail After Hours of Detention

The Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency, has released the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, on administrative bail. Ajaero was detained for several hours in Abuja, sparking widespread concern and speculation about the reasons behind his arrest.

According to reports, Ajaero was apprehended at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja without a warrant, a move that the NLC condemned as unlawful. The labour union decried the detention as an attempt to intimidate its leadership and stifle dissent amid growing discontent over the government’s economic policies.

A DSS source confirmed the labour leader’s release, stating, “The NLC President has been released on administrative bail and is on his way out.” Human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore also confirmed Ajaero’s release via social media, criticizing the government’s handling of the situation.

Ajaero’s bail was facilitated by Barrister Marshal Abubakar of Femi Falana Chambers, further highlighting the legal interventions supporting his release.

Earlier, the NLC strongly condemned the arrest in a press statement issued by its Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, calling Ajaero’s detention “lawless” and unjustified under Nigerian law. The union stated: “This brazen act of intimidation and lawlessness by the government is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as workers.”

The NLC expressed concerns that Ajaero’s detention reflected a broader clampdown on dissent and opposition, as Nigerians face increasing economic hardship. The union called on the international community and human rights organizations to take note of the rising authoritarianism in Nigeria.

The NLC also put its affiliates, state councils, and civil society partners on high alert, demanding the “immediate and unconditional” release of Ajaero and the cessation of harassment against labour leaders.

This incident has prompted widespread condemnation from human rights activists, lawyers, and civic organizations, who accuse President Bola Tinubu’s administration of veering towards authoritarianism and silencing dissenting voices.