DSS Justifies Presence At SERAP Offices, Maintains Silence On NLC President’s Arrest Amid Backlash

The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified its presence at the offices of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in Lagos and Abuja, describing it as part of a lawful investigation. However, the agency remained silent on the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, despite releasing him just before midnight on Monday, following pressure from the NLC and civil society groups.

The DSS, responding to public outcry, dismissed claims of an “unlawful invasion” of SERAP’s offices, stating that two unarmed operatives were sent on a routine investigation. The agency urged the public to disregard misleading reports.

Meanwhile, the Presidency asserted that Ajaero was not above the law and should cooperate with ongoing investigations. It refuted allegations of human rights abuses, particularly those made by the British Trade Union Congress (TUC) and ActionAid Nigeria, which condemned Ajaero’s arrest. The British TUC, during its ongoing conference, called Ajaero’s detention a violation of trade union freedoms.

The NLC had warned the DSS of a nationwide strike if Ajaero was not released, and upon his release, the union expressed gratitude to supporters while vowing to continue advocating for workers’ rights and justice.

The Presidency reiterated that Ajaero’s arrest was unrelated to his role as NLC president and criticized Labour for advancing views misaligned with Nigeria’s economic realities.