The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has failed to appear before police investigative panel on Tuesday, raising the concern that he is risking warrant of arrest by his refusal to honour the invitation.
The Daily Crucible reports that Ajaero got an invitation on Monday from the police over alleged terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime and other related offences.
He was asked to report at the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) Office, Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja.
The letter dated Monday and signed on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Intelligence Response Team by Adamu Muazu, an Assistance Commissioner of Police (ACP), warned that a warrant of arrest would be served on Ajaero if he fails to comply.
“This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime in which you have been implicated.
“You are therefore required to report to the undersigned for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August, 2024, at 10:00 hrs prompt, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team Leader on telephone no 08035179870, in connection with the above investigation. Be informed that if you fail to honour this letter, this office will have no choice but to issue a warrant for your arrest.”
Ajaero’s invitation followed security operatives raid a week ago on some business premises operating with Abuja Headquarters of the NLC but the action drew criticism from Labour leaders, who demanded an unreserved apology from the police.
However, in a letter dated August 20 and signed by Samuel Ogala on behalf of Femi Falana, it said the NLC president was unavailable and would honour the invitation on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.
Citing section 36 of the 1999 constitution, Falana requested the details of the allegations levelled against Ajaero to help his client’s preparation.
The letter read, “We are Solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on whose behalf we write this letter in respect of the above subject matter.
“We have the instructions of Comrade Joe Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in view of the fact that your invitation letter was received by him yesterday.
“He has an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter. Therefore, Comrade Ajaero is prepared for your interview on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.
“Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered, Comrade Ajaero requests for the details and nature of the allegations of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime levelled against him.
“While awaiting your positive response to this letter, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem,” the letter added.
Pat Utomi looks more of Chinese than a Nigerian. So, Amosu’s assumption may be correct.