The Nigeria Police Force has summoned Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, to appear at the Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024.
This latest summons comes less than 24 hours after Ajaero responded to a previous police invitation regarding allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
This time, the NLC leaders are being called to address accusations of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property.
The invitation was issued by the Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force, with a letter dated August 28, 2024.
The letter, titled “Investigation Activities: Invitation Letter,” was signed by Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, FID, Abuja.
The letter states: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property 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 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 a.m. On arrival, you may wish to call Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
This follows the NLC’s previous compliance with a police summons on August 20, 2024. Ajaero, initially summoned on August 19 with a threat of arrest if he failed to appear the next day, explained his inability to comply on the specified date through a letter from human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN).
He assured the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that he would honor the summons on August 29.
As promised, Ajaero, accompanied by Falana, Maxwell Opara, Deji Adeyanju, other lawyers, and labor leaders, appeared at the Force Headquarters to address the earlier allegations.
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