Inviting NLC President Ajaero Over Alleged Terror Financing Could Escalate Tensions – Adeyanju Warns Police

Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has cautioned that the police’s invitation of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero over alleged terror financing could exacerbate tensions in the country.

Naija News reports that this warning follows a summons issued by the police on Monday, accusing Ajaero of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.

In a statement on Tuesday, Adeyanju expressed concern that the tone of the police letter suggested a predetermined conclusion regarding Ajaero’s guilt.

He emphasized that while the police have the authority to invite individuals for questioning, the manner in which this invitation was issued could inflame the political atmosphere.

Adeyanju stated, “My Attention has been drawn to a letter issued by the Nigerian Police Force on the 19th day of August 2024, purporting to invite the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajero, for an interview over a case of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime, in which his name was allegedly mentioned.

“The letter concluded with a threat of arrest if Mr Joe Ajero does not honour the invitation. While I recognise the fact that the Nigerian Police Force has the power to invite anybody concerning ongoing investigations, it is, however, imperative to sound a note of caution, as it appears from the invitation letter, that the Nigerian Police Force has already reached a premeditated decision on Joe Ajero’s guilt.

“I, therefore, call on the Inspector General of Police to call his officers to order and refrain from heating the polity, as we will not sit idle and watch Nigeria descend into fascism, the outcome of which no one can predict.”