Crime

Air Peace Confirms Petition Led to NLC President Ajaero’s Arrest

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 10th, 2024.

Air Peace Confirms Petition Led to NLC President Ajaero’s Arrest

Air Peace has confirmed that Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was arrested due to a petition the airline filed in 2023. The arrest, which occurred on Monday, was carried out by security agents believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sources revealed that Ajaero’s arrest was related to his failure to respond to police and DSS invitations concerning the petition and allegations of extortion.

Omotade Makinwa, a spokesperson for Air Peace, stated that the police acted on the petition only after it had been withdrawn. The airline expressed concern about recent reports linking Ajaero’s arrest to their petition, emphasizing that it does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC.

Makinwa explained that on May 3, 2023, the NLC had disrupted Air Peace operations amid a dispute with the Imo State government. Although Air Peace was not involved in the conflict, the disruption caused significant financial damage and inconvenience for passengers.

In response, Air Peace filed a petition with the police, but action was delayed. Over a year later, the police finally acted on the petition, leading to Ajaero’s arrest.

Makinwa noted that prior to the arrest, Air Peace and the NLC had resolved their issues amicably, and the airline had withdrawn its petition, restoring their working relationship. On August 19, Ajaero was also invited for questioning over allegations including criminal conspiracy and terrorism financing.