NLC President Ajaero Brutalised By Police, Hospitalised – Spokesperson
NLC president taken into protective custody, not arrested -Police
NUPENG threatens nationwide strike over brutalization of NLC President, others
Owerri, Imo State – In a shocking turn of events, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, was allegedly arrested and subjected to brutal treatment by the police in Owerri on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
Ajaero had been leading a protest against the alleged mistreatment of workers and pensioners by the Imo State government when the incident occurred.
The NLC president, who is known for his unwavering commitment to workers’ rights and welfare, had gathered with fellow demonstrators to demand justice for the state’s workers and retirees.
However, the peaceful protest took a sinister turn when Ajaero was forcibly detained and subjected to physical abuse by law enforcement officers.
Ajaero’s ordeal involved being taken to an undisclosed location, where he endured a series of attacks, including physical beatings and even having bottles used against him.
During this terrifying ordeal, his personal belongings, including his phones, money, and other effects, were forcibly taken from him.
After enduring severe mistreatment, Joe Ajaero was eventually taken to the police hospital and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical care.
His right eye was reported to be completely swollen shut as a result of the brutalization he suffered.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has swiftly condemned this shocking act as an abduction that escalated into an attempted murder of its president.
The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and rights of citizens engaged in peaceful protests.
In response to these allegations, the Imo State government has denied any involvement in the incident.
Also, the Imo State Police Command in a statement signed by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Okoye Henry has denied reports concerning the alleged arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, stating that they did not arrest him but saved him from mob attack.
While an investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Ajaero’s arrest and subsequent mistreatment, the incident has already sparked outrage and concern both within and outside Imo State.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has put its members on alert for a nationwide strike over the attack and brutalization of the NLC, President.
The NLC and various human rights organizations are expected to closely monitor the situation and seek justice for their President, Joe Ajaero, and the protection of the rights of all Nigerian workers and citizens.