Alleged Terrorism Financing: Police Reschedule Ajaero’s Interrogation—-Alleged Terrorism Financing: Police Reschedule Ajaero’s interrogationThe second scheduled questioning of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, by the police did not take place on Thursday, as both Ajaero and NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, failed to appear at the police headquarters in Abuja.

A visit to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, where the labour leaders were expected for questioning, revealed that neither Ajaero nor Ugboaja was present.

According to a source familiar with the case, the NLC leaders had informed the police in writing of their inability to attend the interrogation on Thursday.

“They did not show up today. However, they have sent word to the investigators, indicating that they would be available on September 25,” the source disclosed.

Femi Falana (SAN), the legal counsel representing the NLC, who accompanied Ajaero during his initial questioning on August 29, had hinted earlier that the labour leaders might request a new date for the interrogation. Speaking on Thursday, Falana confirmed, “We requested a reschedule as Comrade Joe Ajaero had prior commitments outside Abuja today.”

The police are investigating Ajaero on allegations related to terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, conspiracy, and treason.

This investigation follows a night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja, with the police alleging a connection between Ajaero and a British national, Andrew Wynne, who has been accused of sponsoring recent protests, including the #EndBadGovernance or #Hunger movement, allegedly aimed at toppling the government of President Bola Tinubu.

After Ajaero’s initial questioning on August 29, the police, in a letter signed by Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, asked him and Ugboaja to return on Thursday, September 5, for further questioning regarding criminal intimidation, actions likely to disrupt public peace, and property damage.

The letter read: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties in which your name featured, you are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, FID, through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 am.”

When contacted over the non-appearance of the invited labour leaders, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, promised he would get back.