- Safiu Kehinde
A petition by Air Peace Airline over alleged extortion by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC may have been one of the “strong evidences” the security agencies are working on to charge Mr. Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on Monday by offiicials of the Department of State Security.
While the motive behind his arrest was unknown yesterday, a report has, however, emerged from PR Nigeria stating that Air Peace had petitioned the security agencies over a case of alleged extortion by Ajaero.
It was not clear if only Ajaero would be involved in this specific charge.
According to PR Nigeria, a credible source who pleaded anonymity disclosed that Ajaero’s arrest was linked to alleged extortion from various businessmen and organizations which involved Air Peace.
The source divulged that Ajaero’s arrest was not linked to NLC activities but rather personal.
“These are not matters related to labour activism or the NLC and are not related to Nigerian workers or their welfare.
“He enjoys boasting that labour will go on a nation-wide strike if Nigerian workers were his servants. Haba!
“These are personal allegations, and security agencies diligently pursue the investigation.
“His arrest has nothing to do with NLC or labour issues. It is over personal matters that our security agencies want to unravel,” the source said.
Reported investigation by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), according to the source, further disclosed Ajaero’s association with a foreign national who was accused of involvement in clandestine activities that threaten national security.
“”The NIA wants to determine the nature of Ajaero’s relationship and connection with the said foreigner” a source explained.
The source, described as an high-ranking official, labelled Ajaero’s conduct as arrogant and a blatant disregard for security operatives.
He accused Ajaero of taking advantage of his position as NLC President.
“Ajaero, using his position as NLC President, has consistently shown arrogance and disdain towards Nigerian security forces, acting as if he is untouchable and above reproach.
“He has ignored multiple invitations from the police, choosing instead to engage on his own terms, which is viewed as both disrespectful and defiant” the source remarked.