Details have emerged revealing why the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, and Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, were re-invited by the Nigeria Police Force after an initial invitation.
The latest invitation, dated August 28, 2024, was signed by CP Rufus Alajide for the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department.
According to the police, the re-invitation is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged “criminal intimidation, malicious damage to properties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.”
The letter reads: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured.
“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja, on Thursday, 5th September, 2024, at 11am.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
This is a departure from the initial allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
The police letter requested Ajaero and Ugboaja to appear for an interview at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex in Abuja on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 11am. The letter assured their cooperation is highly solicited.
Sources revealed that the latest invitation was prompted by a petition from a private company, not related to terrorism financing allegations.
NLC counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), confirmed the development, stating that the complaints against Ajaero are limited to criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, and malicious damage to properties.
He explained that a private company lodged a complaint against the NLC leadership regarding the picketing of its premises by workers.
He said, “A few months ago, a private company lodged a complaint against the leadership of the NLC in respect of the picketing of its premises by workers. The complaints against Comrade Joe Ajaero are limited to criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and malicious damage to properties.”
