Ajaero Narrates Ordeal with DSS: “I Was Interrogated on Labour Party, Protests”
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has described his ordeal while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, revealing he was interrogated about the Labour Party and various protests.
Ajaero, who was recently detained by the DSS, confirmed on Tuesday that his phones and international passport, which had been seized upon his arrest, were returned to him. Recounting his experience, he explained that his arrest appeared to be conducted on behalf of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Police, as IRT operatives interrogated him and took his statement while he was in detention.
“The DSS also interrogated me and took my statement. I do not know why they have to embarrass me publicly like that,” Ajaero stated. He added that he was questioned repeatedly by the same IRT operatives who had earlier interrogated him on August 29, 2024, in the presence of human rights lawyer Femi Falana.
The NLC President said the security agents questioned him about various matters, including the operator of the Iva Valley Bookshop located on the second floor of the NLC secretariat building, whether he had communicated with the operator by phone or in writing, and his knowledge of certain protesters.
“They asked if I knew the protesters (#EndBadGovernance or #EndHunger), particularly Eleojo Opaluwa, a staff member of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). I told them I knew him because I employed him at NUEE,” Ajaero narrated.
The DSS also interrogated him about the Labour Party, probing whether the NLC was running the party. Ajaero clarified, “I told them we do not run the Labour Party, but that we are a trustee of the party. The Labour Party they see today was founded when Adams Oshiomhole was President of the NLC.”
He added that the security agents raised questions about the NLC’s dispute with Air Peace, an issue he said was resolved last year.
Reflecting on his treatment, Ajaero remarked, “It seems the security agents are searching for evidence to use against us. That is why they have continued to embarrass, persecute, intimidate, and do whatever they like to cow us.”
His arrest and interrogation come amid heightened tensions between the Nigerian government and organized labor over various economic and social issues, including the recent removal of fuel subsidies and the ongoing debate over minimum wage adjustments.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has described his ordeal while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, revealing he was interrogated about the Labour Party and various protests.
Ajaero, who was recently detained by the DSS, confirmed on Tuesday that his phones and international passport, which had been seized upon his arrest, were returned to him. Recounting his experience, he explained that his arrest appeared to be conducted on behalf of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Police, as IRT operatives interrogated him and took his statement while he was in detention.
“The DSS also interrogated me and took my statement. I do not know why they have to embarrass me publicly like that,” Ajaero stated. He added that he was questioned repeatedly by the same IRT operatives who had earlier interrogated him on August 29, 2024, in the presence of human rights lawyer Femi Falana.
The NLC President said the security agents questioned him about various matters, including the operator of the Iva Valley Bookshop located on the second floor of the NLC secretariat building, whether he had communicated with the operator by phone or in writing, and his knowledge of certain protesters.
“They asked if I knew the protesters (#EndBadGovernance or #EndHunger), particularly Eleojo Opaluwa, a staff member of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). I told them I knew him because I employed him at NUEE,” Ajaero narrated.
The DSS also interrogated him about the Labour Party, probing whether the NLC was running the party. Ajaero clarified, “I told them we do not run the Labour Party, but that we are a trustee of the party. The Labour Party they see today was founded when Adams Oshiomhole was President of the NLC.”
He added that the security agents raised questions about the NLC’s dispute with Air Peace, an issue he said was resolved last year.
Reflecting on his treatment, Ajaero remarked, “It seems the security agents are searching for evidence to use against us. That is why they have continued to embarrass, persecute, intimidate, and do whatever they like to cow us.”
His arrest and interrogation come amid heightened tensions between the Nigerian government and organized labor over various economic and social issues, including the recent removal of fuel subsidies and the ongoing debate over minimum wage adjustments.
