DSS releases NLC leader Joe Ajaero’s seized passport

Joe Ajaero NLC president

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released the passport of the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero, according to the congress’ lawyer Femi Falana.

Mr Ajaero’s passport was seized after his release.

Mr Falana said the DSS gave the passport back to Ajaero through Abubakar Marshall, a member of the Falana law chambers, on Tuesday.

“Ajaero’s passport was released today through my colleague, Abubakar Marshall. It has been handed over to him,” he told PUNCH.

Ajaero was arrested around 7 am on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The labour leader was on his way to the United Kingdom for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event when he was arrested.

He was released on bail around 11 pm about an hour shy of the midnight ultimatum which the NLC gave the DSS.

Ajaero earlier told Channels TV that some police officers came to the DSS facility to grill him.

He said he was questioned over alleged terrorism financing involving a British national Andrew Wynne who is wanted by Nigerian authorities.

Ajaero met the police in late August to face questions over allegations of terrorism financing. He was scheduled to meet the police again before his arrest.