The Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT) has summoned Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, to appear for questioning on August 20th, 2024.
According to the letter of invitation, the IRT is investigating a case involving “Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime” in which Ajaero has been implicated.
The letter, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Musa, invites Ajaero to appear at the IRT Complex in Abuja at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 20th. It warns that failure to honor the invitation may result in the issuance of an arrest warrant.
The Nigeria Labour Congress is the main trade union federation in the country, representing millions of workers. Ajaero, who has led the organization since 2021, is a prominent labor activist known for his vocal criticism of the government.
This latest development comes amidst growing tensions between the Nigerian authorities and labor unions, who have staged numerous strikes and protests in recent years over issues like minimum wage, fuel subsidies and poor working conditions.
Neither the IRT nor the Nigeria Labour Congress has provided any additional details about the nature of the investigation or the allegations against Ajaero. However, the summons has raised concerns among Ajaero’s supporters, who view it as an attempt to silence a leading opposition voice.
The IRT, which falls under the Department of Force Intelligence, is an elite police unit tasked with investigating serious crimes. Its decision to summon a high-profile labor leader like Ajaero is likely to further inflame the already volatile relationship between the Nigerian government and the country’s powerful trade union movement.