The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has alleged that its President, Joe Ajaero, was beaten by the police after being arrested in Imo State. According to the NLC's Head of Media and Publicity, Benson Upah, Ajaero was taken into custody and then subjected to brutality. Ajaero's right eye was reported to be completely shut at the time of contact, and he recounted being blindfolded and taken to an unknown location where further mistreatment occurred, including the use of bottles.
Ajaero's personal belongings, including his phones and money, were confiscated and not returned to him. The police had initially claimed that Ajaero was taken into custody for his protection.
The NLC President was arrested at the NLC secretariat in Owerri, Imo State, where he had been for a statewide protest and strike organized by the NLC to address concerns such as unpaid salaries and pensions and a lack of respect for workers.
In response, the Imo State Police Command explained that Ajaero was placed in protective custody due to a scuffle and an attack on him by a mob during the protest planning. The police maintained that they acted to ensure Ajaero's safety and well-being.
The Imo State Government distanced itself from the arrest, citing a National Industrial Court injunction that barred the NLC from holding the planned rally. The government accused Ajaero of defying the court order and suggested that the police intervened to maintain peace in the state amid a potential clash between lawful workers and outsiders from Abuja
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