The Imo State Command of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has refuted claims of their involvement in the alleged arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, addressed this issue with the media in Owerri, commenting on Ajaero’s arrest during the NLC strike action in the state.
According to PPRO Henry Okoye, the incident involving Ajaero was not a police arrest. Ajaero was in Owerri for a mega rally and was involved in a scuffle at the airport during a picketing process, which led to a heated argument and an eventual attack on the NLC president.
Upon receiving the report, the police deployed officers to the scene. The officer in charge exercised his discretion and took Ajaero into protective custody at the State Command Headquarters to ensure his safety, considering the volatile situation.
The statement clarified the situation, stating that there was a court injunction from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria that had barred the NLC from holding the intended protest rally in Owerri. The police emphasized the importance of adhering to court directives to maintain security in Owerri and other parts of Imo state, particularly as the state prepares for upcoming elections on November 11, 2023.