The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reported the arrest of its President, Joe Ajaero, by security operatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja. According to a statement shared on the NLC’s official X handle, Ajaero was detained this morning while en route to an official engagement with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom. He is currently held at the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
This arrest comes amidst ongoing tensions between the NLC and the federal government, with the union accusing security agencies of a clampdown on civic space. The State Security Service (SSS), also known as the DSS, has not yet commented on Ajaero’s detention. Notably, the SSS recently redeployed its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, without announcing a successor.
Recent reports have highlighted that Ajaero and the NLC have been involved in a series of confrontations with the government. The police have summoned Ajaero twice in recent weeks regarding allegations involving a Briton, Drew Povey, who owns a bookshop at the NLC headquarters. The Nigerian government alleges that Povey was plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu—a claim Povey has denied, urging the government to avoid criminalizing peaceful protests.
The arrest of Joe Ajaero adds a new dimension to the ongoing dispute, raising questions about the broader implications for civil liberties and political dissent in Nigeria.
