
The Department of State Services (DSS) has shed light on the reasons behind the recent arrest and detention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. According to sources within the agency, Ajaero was detained after failing to honour an official invitation extended to him by the DSS, which was related to a petition filed against him by senior members of the NLC.

The petition, according to insiders, touched on matters considered to be threats to national stability. The DSS, under its new Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, who assumed office less than two weeks ago, decided to investigate the allegations contained in the petition.
A DSS source explained, “When Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi resumed duty, he inherited several petitions, including one from top NLC leaders concerning Comrade Ajaero. Our new DG insisted that we invite the NLC president to address some of the allegations and clear the air on the issues raised.”
The invitation, which was reportedly sent last week through a senior DSS director, was extended via telephone. Ajaero had promised to attend a scheduled meeting with the agency on Monday. However, the DSS acted swiftly when it was discovered that Ajaero was at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, allegedly attempting to board an international flight instead of keeping his appointment.
The DSS explained that Ajaero’s apparent disregard for the invitation led to his detention, emphasizing that the agency was acting within the law to safeguard Nigeria’s domestic security. The DSS source noted, “No responsible security organization will fold its hands in the face of such contempt. The law setting up the DSS empowers us to defend Nigeria against domestic threats and to enforce the country’s criminal laws.”
The source further pointed out that the agency operates without fear or favour, similar to intelligence services in other countries. “We often commend the CIA for its impartiality in the United States, and we must learn to live within the law here as well, including honouring invitations from security agencies,” the DSS officer added.
As of now, Ajaero is expected to clarify the allegations made against him, after which his release is anticipated. The situation has sparked discussions within labour circles, with many closely watching how the case will unfold in the coming days.