New details have emerged explaining why the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and the Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, were re-invited by the Nigeria Police Force following an earlier invitation. Initially summoned over allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime,” the latest police request stems from a fresh investigation.
In a letter dated August 28, 2024, signed by CP Rufus Alajide on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Force Intelligence Department, the NLC leaders were invited for questioning concerning allegations of “criminal intimidation, malicious damage to properties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.”
The police letter requested Ajaero and Ugboaja to appear at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja on September 5, 2024, for an interview related to the ongoing investigation.
While the earlier invitation raised concerns about serious allegations, it has now been clarified that the latest inquiry follows a complaint by a private company, unrelated to terrorism financing charges. The company had accused the NLC leadership of disrupting operations at its premises during a picketing action by workers.
Confirming the situation, NLC counsel Femi Falana (SAN) stated that the fresh invitation relates to criminal intimidation and damage to property allegations filed by the company against Ajaero and the union’s leadership. The terrorism financing matter has reportedly been concluded.
Despite the situation, Ajaero, after attending the initial police summons, reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to patriotism and stressed that the union would not waver in defending the rights of Nigerian workers.
