Joe Ajaero, a prominent labor union leader in Nigeria, was released by the secret police on Tuesday after being detained and interrogated for several hours. The detention took place on Monday at Abuja airport as Ajaero was preparing to travel to the United Kingdom for a labor conference.
Ajaero’s arrest has sparked significant backlash from various quarters, with many viewing it as part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent against the Nigerian government. Known for his vocal criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Ajaero was questioned by the Department of State Services (DSS) about alleged connections to British national Andrew Wynne and the recent wave of anti-government protests in Nigeria. The DSS also retained Ajaero’s passport during the interrogation.
Hamisu Santuraki, spokesperson for the United Action Front of Civil Society, expressed strong disapproval of the manner in which Ajaero was detained. Santuraki argued that the government should have issued a formal invitation for questioning rather than arresting Ajaero at the airport. He emphasized that such actions are inappropriate and demanded the immediate return of Ajaero’s passport.
In defense, a government spokesperson stated that Ajaero was initially invited to discuss matters with law enforcement but was prevented from traveling due to his failure to honor the invitation. The spokesperson also firmly denied any allegations of human rights abuses, asserting that the government’s actions were within legal bounds.
The coalition and the Labor Congress are currently assessing their response following recent developments in Nigeria. This comes amidst growing criticism of the Nigerian government from human rights groups, who accuse it of attempting to suppress dissent and curtail free expression.
Investigative journalist Isaac Bristol was recently detained on multiple charges, including leaking classified documents, sedition, and tax evasion. In addition, journalist David Hundeyin was declared wanted by the police last week.
Ajaero’s arrest occurred shortly after he publicly criticized the government’s decision to raise gasoline prices by 39 percent. Nigerian officials attribute the price increase to fluctuations in the global oil market, noting that fuel costs have risen more than fourfold since President Tinubu removed fuel subsidies last year.
On Monday, reports emerged that state operatives had raided the offices of an accountability organization. This organization condemned the raid as an act of intimidation, suggesting it was connected to their recent call for the reversal of the fuel price increase. The spokesperson for the organization described the raid as part of a broader pattern of attacks on civil society, arguing that such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society.
In a previous incident, Ajaero was detained by police in Imo state in November, just moments before he was scheduled to lead a protest rally.