Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has received a summons from the Nigeria Police Force to answer allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other related offenses.
In a letter signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Intelligence Response Team, Ajaero was notified that failure to comply with the summons could result in a warrant for his arrest.
The letter stated, “Our office is currently investigating allegations of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime involving you. You are required to report for questioning on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja. Contact the Team Leader at 08035179870 for further details. Failure to respond will lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant.”
This development follows recent tensions between the NLC and the government, including a controversial raid on the NLC headquarters by security forces.
During a press briefing in Abuja last Thursday, NLC officials rejected the police’s justification for the raid, demanding an apology, the return of confiscated items, and the release of individuals detained during the operation. The NLC also criticized the government’s attempts to interfere with its internal matters, such as proposed changes to the tenure of trade union leaders, which the NLC argues breach labor laws and international agreements.
The police had previously claimed the raid was aimed at capturing an international terrorist suspect. However, the NLC dismissed this explanation as a pretext, pointing to inconsistencies in the police’s narrative.
