Reason Behind Police Summoning NLC President, Secretary Again – Falana
New details have emerged explaining why the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and the Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, were re-invited by the Nigeria Police Force following an initial invitation.
Initially, Ajaero was invited by the police over allegations including “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.” However, a subsequent letter dated August 28, 2024, and signed by CP Rufus Alajide on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), outlined a new set of allegations. The latest invitation pertains to an investigation into “criminal intimidation, malicious damage to properties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.”
The letter specifies: “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 11 am. On arrival, you may wish to call Mr. Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
Following the initial invitation, Ajaero, accompanied by NLC counsel Femi Falana (SAN) and others, appeared at the Force Headquarters in Abuja last Thursday. Despite the challenge, Ajaero and the NLC maintained their commitment to their cause.
Sources indicate that the second invitation was triggered by a complaint from a private company rather than issues related to terrorism financing. The fresh petition pertains to allegations of disruptions caused by picketing activities organized by the NLC.
Falana confirmed that the allegations of terrorism financing had been resolved and that the current focus is on a complaint from the private sector. He stated, “A few months ago, a private company complained about the NLC leadership regarding the picketing of its premises by workers. The current complaints against Comrade Joe Ajaero involve criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and malicious damage to properties.”
