DSS Releases NLC President Joe Ajaero on Bail After Detention

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on administrative bail after detaining him for several hours in Abuja.

Ajaero was arrested earlier at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, sparking concerns across the country. His arrest was criticized by the NLC, which claimed that Ajaero was detained without a warrant.

A DSS source confirmed to SaharaReporters that Ajaero had been released on administrative bail. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also confirmed his release, condemning the government’s actions.

The NLC strongly condemned Ajaero’s detention, calling it an unlawful act of intimidation. In a statement by Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, the union criticized the government for violating Ajaero’s rights, describing the detention as an attack on democracy and workers’ rights.

The NLC urged all Nigerians, civil society groups, and international bodies to remain alert and take note of what they described as rising authoritarianism in Nigeria. The union also demanded the release of all individuals arrested for participating in protests, including those involved in the #EndBadGovernance rallies.