A prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has criticized the Department of State Services for failing to provide a valid reason for the arrest of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Recall that Ajaero was arrested on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja while attempting to board a flight to the UK.
Falana, who represents Ajaero, noted that his client had previously honoured a police invitation regarding allegations of conspiracy, terrorism financing, and cybercrime, but the recent arrest was unrelated to that invitation, according to Nigerian Tribune.
Falana expressed concern that the DSS had not provided any justification for the arrest, sparking questions about the motivations behind the detention.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for Ajaero’s immediate release.
It’s worth noting that Ajaero had previously honored an invitation from the police on August 29 regarding allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
“The invitation to Comrade Joe Ajaero by the police was rescheduled last week. I have contacted the police authorities. The arrest is not related to the police invitation.
“Comrade Ajaero was on his way to London to attend the ongoing TUC conference when he was arrested at the airport this morning by the SSS. No reason has been provided for the arrest by the SSS,” Falana said.
