The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the police of beating up its President, Joe Ajaero after he was arrested in Imo State on Wednesday afternoon.
NLC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Benson Upah, confirmed Mr. Ajaero’s release, stating, “Contact was made with Congress President, Comrade Joe Ajaero this evening around 1530 hours at the Police Hospital in Owerri from where he was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he is receiving medical attention.”
The police had claimed that Mr. Ajaero was taken into custody for his protection, however, the NLC alleged that he was brutally assaulted after his arrest.
Ujah explained, “Thoroughly brutalised, his (Ajaero’s) right eye at the time of contact was completely shut.’ Ajaero revealed that he was beaten and blindfolded immediately after his arrest, taken to an undisclosed location where further assaults occurred, sometimes involving bottles. Mr. Ajaero’s phones, money, and personal belongings were confiscated and have not been returned to him. He was apprehended by the police at the NLC secretariat in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Wednesday. Mr. Ajaero was in the state for the NLC’s statewide protest and strike, addressing issues such as the lack of respect for workers, unpaid salaries, and pensions.”
