ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and the unannounced visit by the Department of State Security (DSS) to the office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
In a statement signed by Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, the organization criticized the DSS’s actions, which it views as an attempt to suppress voices advocating for fair treatment and relief from economic hardship. The DSS has claimed that the incident at SERAP’s office was misunderstood and not intended as harassment or intimidation.
Following news of Ajaero’s release, ActionAid Nigeria demanded a clear explanation from the DSS regarding the legal basis and evidence supporting his arrest. The organization warned that failure to provide such information would constitute a violation of human rights and an assault on democratic freedoms, potentially creating a climate of fear among Nigerians.
“We will not tolerate a return to the era of military-style repression, where security agencies operated above the law and citizens lived in fear of speaking out,” Mamedu stated. “ActionAid Nigeria and the Nigerian citizens demand better from the government and its agencies. We expect transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.”
Mamedu further emphasized that, in a functioning society, arrests and inspections of this nature should be handled by the Nigerian Police, not the DSS. He affirmed that ActionAid Nigeria will continue to mobilize and advocate for justice for all Nigerians whose rights are being violated, in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.
