BREAKING: NLC President Ajaero Released on Bail After Hours-Long Detention
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero on administrative bail after detaining him for several hours. Ajaero’s arrest at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport earlier today sparked widespread concern and intense speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding his detention.
The NLC swiftly condemned the arrest, issuing a strongly-worded statement that denounced the DSS’s actions as “lawless” and “intimidatory.” The union emphasized that Ajaero was detained without a warrant, stressing that he is not a fugitive and has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement agency.
Human rights activists and organizations also swiftly criticized the move, accusing the government of descending into fascism and clamping down on dissenting voices. Prominent human rights activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed Ajaero’s release, tweeting that the “fascist regime” of President Bola Tinubu had released the NLC president on bail.
Ajaero’s release was facilitated by Barrister Marshal Abubakar from the Femi Falana Chambers. The NLC has put its affiliates, state councils, and partners on high alert, vowing to protect workers’ rights and condemning the government’s actions as undemocratic and immoral.
The union has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Ajaero, as well as an end to the harassment of labour leaders and innocent citizens who hold dissenting opinions. The NLC has also called on the international community, human rights organizations, and advocates of democracy to take note of the rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria.
The development has sparked fears of a growing crackdown on civil liberties and dissenting voices in Nigeria, with many concerned citizens and activists taking to social media to express their outrage and solidarity with Ajaero and the NLC.
