Labour leader Joe Ajaero released on bail
Labour leader Joe Ajaero was released on bail last night after hours of detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), sparking concern and outrage among labour unions and civil society groups. His arrest, which took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as he was en route to the United Kingdom (UK), appears to have been linked to a range of allegations, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, and subversion. The arrest sent shockwaves through the Nigerian labour community, with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) immediately raising alarms over what they saw as a breach of Ajaero’s rights and the suppression of labour activism.
Ajaero, the President of the NLC, was on his way to the UK at the invitation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain when DSS officers intercepted him at the airport. According to reports, the arrest may have stemmed from a petition filed against him by Nigerian airline Air Peace, although the situation was further complicated by ongoing investigations into other criminal matters.
Ajaero’s arrest could be tied to a petition Air Peace submitted in 2023, accusing the NLC of unlawfully disrupting its operations during a labour dispute between the NLC and the Imo State government. The airline’s operations were affected as part of the NLC’s larger effort to exert pressure on the government. Air Peace maintained that it was not involved in the conflict, yet it suffered significant financial losses due to flight cancellations and disruptions across multiple states.
Following these disruptions, Air Peace’s legal team submitted a petition to the police, seeking redress for the damage incurred during the protests. However, despite repeated efforts to have the case addressed, the petition was seemingly ignored for over a year until Ajaero’s unexpected arrest. In a statement issued after his detention, Air Peace clarified that the petition had been withdrawn long before the arrest and that the company had reached an amicable resolution with the NLC.
“This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC. Prior to the arrest, we had already withdrawn our petition and resumed a positive working relationship,” Air Peace spokesperson Omotade Makinwa explained.
While the Air Peace petition may have contributed to Ajaero’s arrest, it is likely not the only factor. The labour leader had been questioned by police earlier, in August, in relation to a separate case involving a ‘suspected terror-tenant’ operating a bookshop at the Labour House in Abuja. The bookshop in question was located on the second floor of the building, while Ajaero’s office is situated on the 10th floor.
The police had summoned Ajaero on August 19 to clarify his association with Andrew Wynne, a British national and suspected terrorist, who ran the bookshop. Wynne, who is wanted by Nigerian authorities for his alleged role in a plot to overthrow the government, fled the country and has since sought refuge in the UK. From his UK base, Wynne has denied all allegations, asserting that he is innocent and accusing Nigerian authorities of framing him. He also acknowledged that some of the individuals arrested in connection with the protest had patronized his bookshop but maintained that he had no involvement in any criminal activities.
Wynne’s case further complicates the situation for Ajaero, as the police have re-invited him for questioning regarding his ties to the wanted Briton. A bounty of N10 million was placed on Wynne’s head on September 3, as authorities intensified their efforts to apprehend him.
Ajaero’s arrest prompted immediate backlash from the NLC and its affiliates, which described the incident as an attack on the labour movement. The NLC placed all its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on high alert, warning that it would not tolerate any infringement on the rights of its leaders or members. Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs for the NLC, released a statement emphasizing that the Congress would resist any attempts to undermine the freedoms of its representatives.
“The NLC will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon. This is a violation of Ajaero’s fundamental rights, and we will fight to ensure justice is served,” Upah said.
The NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) also condemned the arrest in strong terms, calling it “an affront to the rights of workers and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.” Prince Adeyanju, Deputy President of the NLC, insisted that such actions could only exacerbate tensions between the government and the labour movement.
The TUC of Nigeria echoed these sentiments, with its President, Festus Osifo, issuing a statement decrying Ajaero’s detention as a violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, which are fundamental pillars of democracy. Osifo warned that the arrest set a dangerous precedent that could have broader implications for the Nigerian labour movement and the millions of workers it represents.
“This arrest threatens the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement and undermines the rights of working-class Nigerians who depend on unions to protect their interests. The government must respect the rule of law and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives,” Osifo stressed.
The arrest also drew criticism from political opposition figures, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) warning the government against “draconian” measures that could lead to social unrest. PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba urged caution, emphasizing that heavy-handed tactics could escalate the situation.
“There is a need for caution in handling sensitive matters, especially those involving key stakeholders in the labour sector. Such actions could have far-reaching consequences if not carefully managed,” Ologunagba said.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), of which Ajaero is a member, expressed outrage over his detention. Acting General Secretary Igwebike Dominic described the arrest as an act of intimidation and harassment, calling it a violation of Ajaero’s fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen. The NUEE vowed to stand firmly behind its leader, promising to take all necessary actions to ensure his freedom and safeguard the rights of workers across the country.
Joe Ajaero’s arrest has become a flashpoint in the ongoing tension between the Nigerian government and the country’s labour unions. While the specific charges and allegations against Ajaero remain unclear, his detention has reignited debates about government interference in union activities and the protection of workers’ rights. As the NLC and TUC rally behind their leader, the case is likely to have significant implications for labour relations in Nigeria, potentially setting the stage for broader confrontations between unions and the state.
