The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, and the General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, have been summoned once more by the Nigeria Police Force to appear at the Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024.
This latest summons comes less than 24 hours after Ajaero honoured a previous police invitation related to allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
This time, the police are summoning both Ajaero and Ugboaja to respond to new allegations of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to properties. The invitation is reportedly issued by the Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force.
This development signals an escalating tension between the NLC leadership and the Nigerian authorities, as the union has been at the forefront of challenging government policies and actions that it deems detrimental to Nigerian workers and the general public.
Ajaero was accompanied by Femi Falana (SAN), Marshal Abubakar, Deji Adeyanju, and several senior officials from the NLC to respond to the previous police invitation on Thursday.
The Police summons, dated August 28, 2024, and entitled “Investigation activities. Invitation letter,” was signed by Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG, Force Intelligence Department, FID, Abuja. The letter reads:
“In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conducts 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 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 a.m.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Usman on GSM number 08039659139.
“Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
This ongoing confrontation highlights the deepening rift between the NLC and the government, with the labour union continuing to advocate for workers’ rights and public welfare amidst increasing scrutiny from law enforcement
