Police Summon NLC President Over Alleged Terrorism

The Nigeria Police Force has called Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), for questioning on suspicions of terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other serious offences.

The summons was outlined in a letter sent by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team, Department of Force Intelligence. The letter, written by Adamu S. Muazu, states that Ajaero has been charged with criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.

Joe Ajaero, is required to appear before the police for an interview on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Abattoir near Guzape Junction in Abuja. The letter warns that failing to comply with the invitation may result in his imprisonment.

It read; “This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime in which you have been implicated. You are therefore required to report to the undersigned for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at 10:00 hrs prompt, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team Leader on telephone no 08035179870, in connection with the above investigation.”

The NLC has fiercely criticised the government’s actions, accusing it of carrying out a campaign against the organisation. This follows a recent raid on the NLC headquarters by security personnel, which the authorities claimed was intended to catch an international terrorism suspect. However, the NLC has discounted this explanation as a cover-up, citing contradictions in the police account.

During a news conference in Abuja last Thursday, NLC officials condemned the raid and demanded an apology from the government, the return of seized items, and the release of all detainees.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli