Joe Ajaero regains freedom from DSS custody

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), from its custody.

The labour body confirmed Ajaero’s release in a statement shared on its X handle on Tuesday morning, insisting that “struggle continues”.

“Breaking news…. NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero released from DSS detention. The struggle continues. We can’t be silenced,” the statement reads.

On Monday, Benson Ukpah, NLC spokesperson, said Ajaero was arrested by DSS operatives at the Abuja airport while on his way to attend a programme organised by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom.

“The assault on Nigerian workers continues. President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, was arrested and abducted by men of the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport Abuja this morning on his way to attend an official engagement of TUC United Kingdom and he is now detained at the office of the NSA,” the NLC said in a statement.

“This intimidation and assault must stop!!!”