Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and detention of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement on Monday, Amnesty International Nigeria Director Isa Sanusi criticised the arrest, calling it a sign of increasing impunity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Ajaero was reportedly detained at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while en route to the United Kingdom for an official engagement. He was set to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which began the same day.
Sanusi stated, “Amnesty International strongly denounces the unlawful arrest of NLC President Joe Ajaero by the DSS. His immediate and unconditional release is imperative. This arbitrary action is yet another example of the government’s growing crackdown on human rights and civic freedoms.”
He further accused Tinubu’s administration of consistently targeting the NLC through baseless allegations, raids, and intimidation, thereby undermining workers’ rights to organise and seek improved conditions.
“President Tinubu is setting a worrying precedent by flouting the rule of law,” Sanusi added, reminding that Nigeria is obligated to uphold international agreements like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which safeguard freedoms of expression, assembly, and trade union activity.
He concluded, “Under international law, workers cannot be punished for union participation. The Nigerian government must uphold these rights. Ajaero’s arrest is a clear violation, and he should be freed without delay.”