CITIZENS COMPASS—The Nigerian Police Force, (NPF), on Monday, invited for questioning the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, over what it described as Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime.
The Intelligence Response Team, (IRT), arm of the NPC sent the invite to the NLC President.
IRT Deputy Commissioner of Police in a letter of invitation, said Ajaero should be at its office on Tuesday, August 20, (today), warning that he would be arrested if he failed to honour the invitation.
The letter of invitation signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner, dated August 19, titled Letter of invitation, read in part “This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime in which you were mentioned.
“You are therefore invited to interview the undersigned on Tuesday 20th August, 2024 by 10:00 am prompt, at IRT Complex, Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team Leader with telephone no 08035179870 in connection with the above investigation.
“Be informed that in the event of failing to honour this letter, this office will have no alternative than to activate a warrant of arrest against you please.”
Recall that the NLC has accused the government of waging a war against the organisation, following a recent raid on its headquarters by security forces.
At a Thursday press conference in Abuja, NLC leaders rejected the police explanation for the raid and demanded an apology, the return of seized items, and the release of detained individuals.
The NLC also condemned government attempts to interfere with its internal affairs, including a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders, arguing that such actions violate labour laws and international conventions.
Recall that the police claimed the raid on the NLC headquarters was intended to apprehend an international terrorist suspect, a justification the NLC dismissed as a cover-up, citing inconsistencies in the police’s account.
Meanwhile, NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, said “A personal message sent to Comrade Joe Ajaero by SP Moshood said, “We were at the Labour House to submit this (letter of invitation) but the place was locked, sir”.
“We find this curious because staff were in the office beyond 6pm. We also note that Comrade Joe Ajaero was not addressed by his official title of President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.”
