Police invite NLC President over alleged terrorism financing, cybercrimes

By Matthew Denis

The Nigeria Police Force has called Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to answer questions regarding serious allegations including terrorism financing and cybercrime.

The police issued a formal invitation to Ajaero, stating that he must appear for questioning on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at 10:00 AM. The letter, signed by ACP Adamu Muazu, warns that failure to attend could result in an arrest warrant.

The official letter reads: “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. Be informed that if you fail to honour this letter, this office will have no choice but to issue a warrant for your arrest.”.

This development comes amidst heightened tensions between the NLC and the Federal Government. Recently, the NLC accused security forces of targeting the organisation during a raid on its headquarters.

NLC leaders, who held a press conference in Abuja last Thursday, rejected the police’s explanation for the raid, demanding an apology, the return of confiscated items, and the release of those detained.

They also criticised government attempts to interfere with the NLC’s internal affairs, including proposals to shorten the terms of trade union leaders, arguing that these measures infringe on labour laws and international agreements.

The police had previously claimed that the raid was to apprehend an international terrorist suspect, a justification the NLC has disputed, calling it a cover-up due to inconsistencies in the police’s story.