The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday morning at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Ajaero was en route to the United Kingdom to attend the Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference, scheduled to begin today in London.

The NLC confirmed the arrest in a statement shared on its official X handle, describing it as an “assault on Nigerian workers.” The statement read: “President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, was arrested and abducted by men of the DSS… This intimidation and assault must stop!!!”

Ajaero’s arrest follows his recent invitation by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. His arrest also comes after a night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja.

The police allege a connection between Ajaero and Andrew Wynne, a Briton accused of funding protests aimed at toppling the government of President Bola Tinubu. Ajaero was previously questioned on August 29 and has been summoned for another appearance on September 5, alongside NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, to address charges related to criminal intimidation, public disturbance, and property damage.