The Nigerian Presidency has rejected claims of human rights violations made by the UK Trade Union Congress (TUC) following the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero was detained by secret police at Abuja airport on Monday while en route to a TUC event in the UK. He was released after approximately 15 hours in custody.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that Ajaero is not above the law and should have complied with invitations from security agencies regarding allegations of terrorism financing. He emphasized that Nigeria operates under a constitutional framework where no individual is exempt from lawful investigation. The Presidency described the TUC’s accusations as unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the circumstances surrounding Ajaero’s arrest.
Ajaero had previously honored a police invitation related to the same allegations in late August, maintaining his innocence. This incident marks a continuation of tensions between labor leaders and the government, as Ajaero had faced arrest in the past during protests concerning workers’ rights and unpaid salaries. The situation has raised concerns about the government’s approach to civil liberties and the treatment of labor leaders in Nigeria.