On August 29, 2024, Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was first invited by the police amid allegations that included criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The police inquiry into these serious charges was followed by a subsequent request for Ajaero to return for additional questioning.
In a letter dated September 5, 2024, signed by Commissioner of Police Operations Ibitoye Alajide, Ajaero was asked to appear again, this time alongside the NLC General Secretary. The new summons was issued by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, Abuja, and focuses on allegations of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to breach public peace, and malicious damage to property.
The letter also provided a contact number for further coordination and stressed the importance of cooperation in addressing these new allegations.
Following his first appearance, Ajaero, accompanied by NLC legal counsel Femi Falana (SAN), maintained that the NLC would continue to uphold its commitment to its mission despite the ongoing challenges.
Sources close to the matter indicated that the renewed police interest stemmed from a petition filed by a private company, which is unrelated to the previous allegations of terrorism financing. This earlier matter has reportedly been resolved.
A source familiar with the situation clarified that the issue of terrorism financing has been concluded, and the latest invitation was prompted by a new complaint from a company regarding alleged disruptions.
In an official statement to The Punch, Falana confirmed the details, explaining that the complaint from several months ago involved accusations of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to breach the peace, and malicious damage to property. The complaint was linked to NLC’s picketing activities against the private company’s premises.
As the investigation continues, both Ajaero and the NLC are expected to address these new allegations while navigating the ongoing legal and public scrutiny.
