Ayuba Sanusi
THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has summoned Mr Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for questioning over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other related offences.
In the invitation letter from the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Department of Force Intelligence (DFI) was signed by ACP Adamu S. Muazu.
The letter read: “This office is investigating a case of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, Subversion and cybercrime in which you were mentioned.
“You are therefore invited to interview the undersigned (sic) on Tuesday 20th August 2024 by 10:00hrs prompt, at IRT Complex, Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team
Leader with telephone number 08035179870 in connection with the above investigation.
“Be informed that in the event of failing to honour this letter, this office will have no alternative than to activate a warrant of arrest against you, please.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that operatives of the Force on 7th August 2024 raided the Abuja headquarters of the NLC in what it later described as a search for a wanted criminal said to be at the premises at the time.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPROl), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said a prime criminal suspect in an ongoing investigation was traced to a shop within the building located in the Central Business District, Abuja.
ACP Adejobi further stated that detectives, armed with the appropriate legal authority, conducted an operation at the location, which turned out to be the NLC building. The well-coordinated, lawful operation, he maintained, was solely aimed at apprehending the prime suspect — a foreign national implicated in numerous criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries.
“We wish to emphasize that this operation had no connection with the NLC, its secretariat, staff, or leadership. The NLC Secretariat was not the focus of the operation, which was targeted at a rented shop within the building used by the suspect as a front for his criminal activities in Nigeria.”
The NPF, therefore, sought the cooperation and support of the NLC leadership as it continued this investigation, which, according to it, is vital to safeguarding the nation.
“The high-profile nature of the suspect poses a significant security threat to Nigeria and other African nations, making this investigation crucial for the safety of all involved, including the NLC.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the rule of law, maintaining professionalism, and respecting human rights in the discharge of our statutory duties.
“We also urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and to conduct security profiling of individuals seeking to rent space within their premises”, ACP Adejobi further enjoined.
Eighteen-Eleven Media