Alleged terrorism financing: NLC confirms Ajaero’s invitation by police

The Nigeria Labour Congress on Monday evening confirmed the invitation of its president, Joe Ajaero, by the police over issues bordering on alleged terrorism financing.

The Congress’ spokesperson, Benson Upah, made this known in a statement he signed and made available to our correspondent.

The PUNCH earlier reported that Ajaero was invited by the Nigeria Police Force for an “interview” on charges connected to “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime”

The letter of invitation signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence dated August 19, 2024, says Ajaero’s name was mentioned in ongoing investigations connected to “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.”

Accordingly, the letter directed Ajaero to report at the IRT Complex, Abbattoir by Guzape Junction on Tuesday, August 20 at 10 am, threatening that a warrant of arrest would be issued against him if he failed to report.

Speaking in the statement, 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.”

Upah clarified, “We find this curious because the staff were in the office beyond 6 pm. We also note that Comrade Joe Ajaero was not addressed by his official title of President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“Clearly, the last has not been heard about the raid on the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“Preceding the raid, Congress had advised the government to dialogue with the organisers of the protest even as Congress had clearly stated it was not part of the protest.

Upah continued, “Congress criticised the police for the high casualty rate during the protest. Congress in its NEC communique after the raid expressed outrage at the behaviour of the police and demanded an apology from both the police and government,” among others.

The PUNCH reports that the NLC had accused the government of declaring war against the organisation, following the recent raid on its headquarters by security forces.

At a press conference in Abuja last Thursday, NLC leaders rejected the police explanation for the invasion and demanded an apology, as well as the return of seized items and the release of detained individuals. However, the police claimed the raid was to apprehend an international terrorist suspect; a claim denied by the NLC.