The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, was taken into custody by the police in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. This incident occurred during an ongoing protest by members of the labor union in the state.
The protest was reportedly disrupted by troublemakers who damaged vehicles and inflicted injuries on labor union members. The NLC had previously announced plans to stage a protest in the state, citing alleged violations and abuse of workers’ rights and privileges by the state government.
Ajaero’s arrest occurred at around 8 am on Wednesday morning. Workers had initially gathered at the state NLC Secretariat for the protest, but they were dispersed when a group of armed individuals stormed the Secretariat and attacked them. The workers later regrouped at the Secretariat, with NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja leading the protest.
As Ajaero was about to address the gathering, a team of armed police officers arrived and took him into custody, along with some NLC officials. Reports indicate that several gunshots were fired to disperse the gathered workers.
Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Information and Publicity, confirmed the incident and stated that Ajaero was apprehended by the police while they were preparing to lawfully protest against the violation of trade union rights of the workers.
Chris Onyeka, the NLC Deputy General Secretary and Chief of Staff to the NLC President, recounted the incident, explaining that he was with Ajaero when he was apprehended and subjected to violence. Thugs had initially attacked and removed Ajaero from the platform before the police arrived to arrest him and another senior NLC official.