Why we raided second floor of NLC complex – Police

.Say raid unconnected to recent #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests

.Police to sustain protection of rights, promotion of youths’ welfare – IGP

The Nigeria Police Force, on Monday, said it raided the second floor of the national headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja last Wednesday in search of some incriminating documents to establish a case against an international “subversive” element that is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed this on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, adding that the August 7, 2024 raid of the NLC Complex had a suspect housed by the labour union in one of its floors.

Adejobi said the second floor which has an office used by the suspect was raided, and not the 10th floor housing the NLC HQ.

“We recovered evidence to prove that the suspect is a threat to the nation, the man is a suspected subversive element,” Adejobi said.

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Last Wednesday, the NLC said heavily armed security personnel stormed and raided its head office in the nation’s capital around 8:30 pm, and carted away documents.

The raid was condemned by local and international rights groups like Amnesty International, among others.

But the Force spokesman said some landlord-tenant relationship was established between the NLC and the global suspect whose syndicate members have been arrested.

Adejobi said the raid was unconnected to the recent #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests.

According to him, the police have embarked on a forensic investigation and the NLC would be needed in the probe of the suspect claiming multiple foreign identities including being a Russian and a Briton.

“The NLC is not the suspect here. We had a target and whatever it takes, we must get him at all means,” Adejobi said, hinting that the suspect travels frequently out of Nigeria.

The raid was not to get the man but to recover certain incriminating evidence and we have gotten what we want, Adejobi said.

The police accused the suspect of “subversion” and threat to “run down the country”.

“We have (uncovered) plans that people want to run down Nigeria. We have (uncovered) plans that people want to destroy our democracy, destroy our common heritage called Nigeria, and we cannot keep quiet…We are getting enough help and we will get this man,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, has pledged to protect rights, promote welfare and provide opportunities for the growth and development of Nigerian youths.

Egbetokun made the pledge during the Nigeria Police Force Youth Conference organised to mark the 2024 International Youth Day on Monday in Abuja.

The conference with the theme, “Enhancing Nigeria Youth value for National Security Intelligence”, was organised by the Nigeria Police in collaboration with UNESCO.

The IGP said the day was more than a celebration, but a reminder of the crucial role young people play in societies and the global community.

“This day underscores the importance of empowering youths, amplifying their voices and ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged and nurtured.

“It is a celebration of the transformative powers of young people in driving positive change and shaping a better future,” he said.

Egbetokun said the theme was a reminder that the strength and future of the country was in the hands of the youths.

According to him, the role of the youths are pivotal in driving social change, redesigning our security architecture and advancing sustainable development.

He said the Nigeria police would continue to harness the energy, creativity and idealism of Nigerian youths to build a safer, more secured and prosperous country.

“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to creating a secured environment that will empower our youths to realise their full potentials.

“Our involvement in this conference highlights our beliefs that young people are indispensable partners in achieving national security and sustainable development.

“We are dedicated to supporting and empowering the youths as chief agents of change and leaders in building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Egbetokun said the conference was a critical platform for dialogue, education and collaboration between the Nigeria Police and Nigerian youths.

The IGP said it was also an opportunity to bridge the gap, foster trust and work together to secure the country in line with the 2024 theme.

He said the insights and ideas that would emerge from the conference would contribute significantly to the enhancement of national security intelligence in the country.