NLC Denounces Police Allegations Against Joe Ajaero as ‘Plain Mischief’

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly rejected allegations made by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) against its National President, Joe Ajaero, labeling the accusations as “plain mischief.”

The police accused Ajaero of involvement in terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime, and other related offences. These charges were outlined in a letter dated August 19, 2024, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team. The letter summoned Ajaero for questioning and warned that a warrant of arrest would be issued if he failed to appear on Tuesday.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Benson Upah, the head of the NLC’s information department, condemned the accusations, asserting that they were a deliberate attempt to discredit the Labour movement.

Upah emphasized that the NLC’s primary concern has always been the integrity, sovereignty, and welfare of Nigerians, rather than engaging in any criminal activities.

“They’ve accused us of conspiracy, treasonable felony, terrorism financing, and cybercrime. I want to assure you with every sense of honour that we have nothing to do with those crimes,” Upah stated.

He continued, “For many in government, securing Nigeria is about salaries and wages. But for us in the Labour movement, our motivation has always been the integrity and sovereignty of this country and the welfare of its people. The state has immense power, and when it wants to distract you, it throws out these kinds of charges. But they’ve picked the wrong target. We don’t even have enough money to meet our own needs, let alone finance terrorism. It’s plain mischief.”