President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero has been arrested by personnel from the Department of State for Security (DSS).

A statement by the Head of Information of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah revealed he was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Aiport in Abuja, on Monday, September 9 on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.

He was scheduled to attend the The NLC president was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today.

The labour union says it doesn't know the whereabouts of its president but Ajaero in a text indicated he had been arrested.

A statement by the union later said the NLC president had been detained.

The statement read in part “We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument. Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive. His detention is therefore a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body. His detention is a brazen act of intimidation and completely unjustified under the laws of our nation. The mere contemplation of not just stopping a lawful citizen from travelling but also sequestering his freedom is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as a people and as workers.”

His arrest and detention came about a week after he honoured an invitation by the police on August 28. He was released the following day after honouring the invitation.

The NLC President was initially invited by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), over allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”

“In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conducts Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured.

“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja or an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu hagari way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September, 2024 at 11am.

“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr. Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please,” the police’s second invitation read.