By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Department of State Services (DSS) has granted administrative bail to Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, announced Ajaero’s release via Twitter on Monday night. “BREAKING: The fascist regime of @officialABAT has released @NLCHeadquarters President Joe Ajaero from @OfficialDSSNG custody on bail,” he posted on X.com.
Ajaero was apprehended earlier that day at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as he was preparing to travel to the United Kingdom for an official engagement.
His arrest faced widespread condemnation from various organizations, civil society groups, activists, and notable figures, who demanded his immediate release.
The NLC denounced the arrest, describing it as “brazen and illegal” in a statement issued Monday evening. The NLC’s National Administrative Council, led by Deputy President Adeyanju Adewale, labeled the detention as a violation of workers’ rights and democratic principles. They had issued an ultimatum for Ajaero’s release by midnight on Monday.