Csos Condemn Arrest And Release Of Ajaero.

Tinubu Accused of Impunity by Amnesty International

SERAP Claims Invasion of Premises by Security Agencies

By Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Chinedu Eze in Lagos

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajero, was arrested early morning yesterday by the Department of State Service (DSS), but was released on bail late at night.

The arrest of Ajero, which resulted in severe condemnation by various groups, was accompanied by the alleged invasion of the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP) by the DSS. The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Ajero.

Global rights group, Amnesty International, and the United Action Front of Civil Society also criticized the arrest and detention of Ajero, accusing President Bola Tinubu of setting a new record of impunity.

Air Peace Airlines Limited, however, denied being involved in the arrest of the labour leader. Ajaero was taken into custody at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official meeting.

There are speculations that his arrest may be linked to his refusal to honor invitations from the undercover police, as well as a petition filed against him by an airline operator. The DSS confirmed his custody but denied access to him.

SERAP also reported the invasion of its premises by officers from Nigerias State Security Service (SSS), demanding that President Tinubu instruct the SSS to end the harassment and intimidation against Nigerians. The NLC called for the release of Ajaero and an end to harassment against labour leaders and the Nigerian working class.

The TUC described Ajero’s arrest as an unjust action and a violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression. Amnesty International Nigeria strongly condemned the arrest, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the NLC President.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) accused the security agency of detaining Ajaero without access to his lawyers, family, and colleagues. They demanded his release and an end to the harassment of labour leaders and Nigerian workers.

The United Action Front of Civil Society also condemned the “needless show of force” in Ajaero’s arrest and demanded his immediate release, cautioning against further repression of civil and democracy space in Nigeria.

Air Peace Airlines clarified that the arrest was not connected to the company, explaining that a previous disruption of their operations was erroneously linked to Ajaero’s arrest.