Labour leader Joe Ajaero was released on bail last night hours after his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS).
He may have been arrested over a petition against him by Air Peace, the airline indicated.
Ajaero was picked up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja en route to the United Kingdom (UK) on the invitation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain.
His arrest could also be in connection with his alleged involvement in a case of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime over which he was questioned.
The police interrogated Ajaero on August 29 over a ‘suspected terror-tenant’ operating a bookshop on the second floor at the Labour House, headquarters of the NLC in Abuja.
Ajaero’s office is on the 10th floor of the building.
Although the NLC President was summoned on August 19, he sought to honour the invitation on August 29.
On September 3, the police placed a N10 million bounty on a Briton Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich) after he was declared wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow a democratically elected government.
Wynee, who fled Nigeria for the United Kingdom, has vowed not to make himself available for interrogation, saying he feared for his life.
From his UK base, the Briton in an interview, blasted the security operatives and the government, while he declared himself innocent.
He admitted that some of the suspects arrested in connection with the protest patronised his bookshop.
The police also re-invited Ajaero to clear the air on his relationship with the wanted Briton who operated the bookshop.
Yesterday, Air Peace, which earlier petitioned the police against Ajaero and the NLC, said the police may have chosen to action on the petition despite withdrawing it.
Spokesman of the airline, Omotade Makinwa, said in a statement: “We express deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of NLC President in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023.
“This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC.
“It is important to clarify the events leading up to the petition. On the 3rd of May, 2023, the NLC disrupted Air Peace operations as part of a broader conflict with the Imo State government.
“Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State government, our airline was unfortunately used as a tool to exert pressure on the government.
“This unlawful disruption of our services caused significant financial losses and impacted the travel plans of many Nigerians across multiple states.
“Despite our repeated efforts to follow up on the petition, the Police failed to take prompt action.
“However, over a year later, the Nigeria Police have chosen to act on the original petition, which has now led to the alleged arrest of the NLC president.
“Prior to this arrest, the airline and the NLC had already reached an amicable resolution, and Air Peace had withdrawn its petition, allowing a positive working relationship to resume between the two organisations.”
NLC kicks
NLC placed all its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies on the “highest state of alert” following Ajaero’s arrest.
Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, said the Congress would not “stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon.”
NLC also summoned an emergency meeting of its organs over the matter.
The National Administrative Council (NAC) of the NLC also condemned Ajaero’s arrest.
In a statement by NLC Deputy President, Prince Adeyanju, the Congress said it was “an affront to the rights of workers and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.”
Also yesterday, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, in a statement by its president, Festus Osifo, said Ajaero’s arrest represented a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, which are fundamental democratic pillars.
The Labour Centre said: “This arrest sets a dangerous precedent that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests.
“It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives. The labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) warned against “draconian” tendencies and actions that may create crises.
“There is a need for caution,” the party said through its spokesman Debo Ologunagba.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Ajaero’s primary constituency, faulted his arrest.
Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, said in a statement: “This brazen act of intimidation and harassment is a violation of his fundamental rights and freedom as a Nigerian citizen.
