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JUST IN: DSS bows to pressure, releases Ajaero after 15-hour detention
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, after detaining him for about 15 hours.
Ajaero confirmed his release, stating that he was allowed to leave the DSS office around 11 PM on Monday.
Ajaero had been arrested earlier that morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while on his way to the United Kingdom for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event.
Although he was released, the DSS confiscated his travel passport.
During his detention, Ajaero was questioned by both DSS and police officers, primarily about the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place nationwide in August.
He was also interrogated regarding allegations of terrorism financing involving a British national, Andrew Wynne.
The NLC had condemned Ajaero’s arrest and set a deadline for his release by Tuesday midnight, warning of potential nationwide action.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and activist Femi Falana, also criticized the Federal Government, demanding Ajaero’s immediate release.
Ajaero, who previously faced similar detention in Imo State last November while leading a protest over unpaid workers’ salaries, has consistently denied any involvement in terrorism financing.