Why police invited NLC president, secretary again – Falana

Facts have emerged explaining why the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and the Secretary General of the Congress, Emmanuel Ugboaja, were re-invited by the Nigeria Police Force after an initial invitation.

Recall that the police had initially invited Ajaero over allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”

However, in a second letter dated August 28, 2024, and signed by CP Rufus Alajide for the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, the police stated that the latest invitation was in furtherance of an investigation into alleged “criminal intimidation, malicious damage to properties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.”

The letter reads: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured.

“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja, on Thursday, 5th September, 2024, at 11am.

“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”

After honouring the initial invitation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja last Thursday, Ajaero, accompanied by the NLC counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), and others, stated that the union would not compromise its patriotism despite the challenge.

However, our correspondent learned that the latest invitation was due to a petition by a private company and not based on allegations of terrorism financing.

A source familiar with the matter noted that “the matter of terrorism financing has been concluded. The invitation was based on a fresh petition by a company over what they tagged as disruptions.”

Confirming the development to our correspondent, the NLC counsel, Falana, said, “A few months ago, a private company lodged a complaint against the leadership of the NLC in respect of the picketing of its premises by workers. The complaints against Comrade Joe Ajaero are limited to criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and malicious damage to properties.”