Labour leader Joe Ajaero has been released by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ajaero confirmed his release, stating that he was allowed to leave around 11 p.m. on Monday.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president revealed that he had been questioned for about 15 hours after his arrest at 7 a.m. at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. However, the DSS has confiscated his passport.
In addition to the DSS questioning, some police officers also interrogated Ajaero about the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests that occurred in August.
He was reportedly questioned about alleged terrorism financing linked to British national Andrew Wynne.
Ajaero was on his way to the United Kingdom for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event when he was apprehended at the Abuja airport.
The NLC criticized the arrest, demanding Ajaero’s release by midnight on Tuesday. They also alerted their affiliates, civil society groups, and Nigerians to stay vigilant in response to the situation.
The Trade Union Congress, Amnesty International, and human rights lawyer Femi Falana also condemned the government’s actions and called for Ajaero’s immediate release.
Also Read: Amnesty International Condemns NLC President’s Arrest
Ajaero had previously responded to police inquiries in late August regarding the terrorism financing allegations, maintaining his innocence. He was also detained last November in Imo State before leading a protest over unpaid wages.
Also Read: NLC Convenes Emergency Meeting Over Allegations of Terrorism Financing Against President Joe Ajaero
