Police Clarify Alleged Raid on NLC Building, Say Operation Targeted Foreign Suspect
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified the circumstances surrounding an operation conducted at the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) building in Abuja, following allegations that police and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel invaded the premises on Wednesday night.
In a statement released on Friday, the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, accused the operatives of arresting security guards, forcing them to hand over keys to offices on the second floor, and subsequently ransacking the bookshop. Upah claimed that hundreds of books and publications were stolen during the raid.
However, the Police, in a counter statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, denied any connection between the operation and the NLC secretariat or its leadership. Adejobi explained that the operation was aimed at apprehending a foreign national suspected of being involved in numerous criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries.
“The Nigeria Police Force has noted a publication alleging that the NLC national secretariat, known as the Labour House, located in the Central Business District, Abuja, was raided by the Police,” Adejobi said. “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to clarify that a prime criminal suspect in an ongoing investigation was traced to a shop within the building in the Central Business District, Abuja.”
According to Adejobi, the detectives, who were armed with the appropriate legal authority, conducted the operation at the location, which happened to be within the NLC building. He emphasized that the operation was lawful, well-coordinated, and specifically targeted at the suspect, who was reportedly using the rented shop as a front for his criminal activities.
“We emphasize that this operation had no connection with the NLC, its secretariat, staff, or leadership,” Adejobi added. “The NLC secretariat was not the focus of the operation, which was targeted at a rented shop within the building used by the suspect as a front for his criminal activities in Nigeria.”
Adejobi further called for the cooperation and support of the NLC leadership as the investigation continues, stressing the importance of the operation for the safety and security of Nigeria and other African nations.
“The high-profile nature of the suspect poses a significant security threat to Nigeria and other African nations, making this investigation crucial for the safety of all involved, including the NLC,” he concluded.
The NLC has yet to issue a further response following the police’s clarification. The incident has sparked concerns over the perceived invasion of the union’s office, with some calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
