The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has engaged forensic experts to thoroughly inspect its national secretariat in Abuja for potential surveillance devices that may have been planted by security agencies during a recent raid. The move comes in response to concerns raised by the union following the police operation, which took place on July 7.
The raid, conducted by security operatives, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and others in plain clothes, occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. The operatives reportedly forced their way into the building, detained the security guards on duty, and demanded access to offices on the second floor of the secretariat.
According to NLC spokesperson Benson Upah, the police claimed responsibility for the raid, stating that it was part of an effort to uncover documents related to an international “subversive” figure considered a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. However, the NLC has rejected this explanation and is demanding the release of its arrested members and seized documents.
In an exclusive interview, Chris Onyeka, the National Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, confirmed that the union has hired international experts to conduct a forensic security audit of the secretariat. The audit is intended to ensure the safety of NLC personnel and to check for any surveillance devices that may have been planted during the raid.
“The NLC, in its National Executive Council meeting, deliberated and agreed that there is a need to conduct a forensic security audit to ensure that the people were safe and that nothing was planted in its headquarters, among other things, before they resume back to their offices,” Onyeka said.
He further emphasized that the explanation offered by the police for the raid is unacceptable, and reiterated the union’s demand for an apology from both the Federal Government and the police, which has yet to be issued.
The situation has intensified tensions between the NLC and government authorities, as the union continues to push for accountability and transparency in the wake of the controversial raid.
