Joe Ajaero Released from Police Custody Amid Controversy and Solidarity Protests

On August 29, 2024, Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was freed from police jail after responding to a summons regarding significant charges of sponsoring terrorism and treason. He appeared at the Abuja police headquarters at 10:17 AM, gave a statement, and departed about 11:15 AM. However, he refrained from speaking with the media right away after being freed.

Ajaero was originally scheduled to appear on August 20 by the police, but his legal team asked for a postponement, which was approved, citing scheduling issues. In reaction to the police’s actions, which they characterised as being politically motivated, the NLC called for members nationwide to take part in nonviolent rallies and organised a large-scale march to demonstrate support for Ajaero.

Following his release, Ajaero said he would speak to the media later at the NLC offices, implying that, based on earlier accounts of tensions surrounding his case, he had serious reservations about the treatment he got while in detention.