By Wahab Abdulah
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, after detaining him for hours.
Ajaero, who was arrested on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
on his way to the United Kingdom (UK) to attend a Trade Union Congress (TUC) meeting, was released around 11pm.
The NLC had given the Federal Government a midnight deadline to release the Number One labour leader.
After his release, Ajaero revealed that the DSS seized his travel passport.
His detention sparked widespread concern and condemnation from various civil society groups and human rights activists.
The NLC described the arrest as “brazen and illegal” and a clear violation of workers’ rights and democratic values.
Ajaero confirmed his release.
He said though he was detained by the DSS, some police officers also came around to grill him at the DSS office in Abuja over the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests that took place in August.
Ajaero said he was quizzed over alleged terrorism financing involving a British national, Andrew Wynne.
