Air Peace denies involvement in NLC President’s arrest by DSS

Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, has distanced itself from the recent arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Security Service (DSS), refuting claims that the arrest was linked to a petition it filed against the union last year.

In a statement released by Air Peace’s spokesperson, Omotade Makinwa, the airline clarified that the security operatives did not act on its behalf regarding Ajaero’s arrest, especially since the airline had already withdrawn its petition against the NLC and its leaders.

“Air Peace Airline expresses deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC,” Makinwa stated.

The incident dates back to May 3, 2023, when the NLC disrupted Air Peace’s operations as part of a broader conflict with the Imo State government. Air Peace emphasized that it was not involved in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State government but was caught in the crossfire, resulting in significant financial losses and disruptions to the travel plans of many Nigerians.

In response to the disruption, Air Peace’s legal team filed a formal petition against the NLC with the Nigerian Police, seeking redress for the damages incurred. Despite repeated follow-ups, the police did not take immediate action on the petition. However, over a year later, the police acted on the petition, leading to the alleged arrest of the NLC president.

Makinwa further clarified that before Ajaero’s arrest, Air Peace and the NLC had reached an amicable resolution, prompting the airline to withdraw its petition and restore a positive working relationship with the union.

It is worth recalling that Air Peace had initially sought N1 billion in general damages, N450 million in special damages, and N250 million in exemplary damages against the NLC for grounding its operations amid the dispute with the Imo State government. The lawsuit was filed under the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules of 2019, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction.

The suit named several defendants, including NLC President Joe Ajaero, TUC President Festus Osifoh, NLC Secretary-General Emmanuel Ugboaja, and TUC General Secretary Nuhu Toro.

Air Peace had alleged that its employees suffered physical and psychological harm due to the disruption, which led to hospital visits and absenteeism from work. The airline also claimed significant damage to its business reputation among customers, the general public, and investors.

Despite sending demand letters to the defendants on May 12, 2023, seeking compensation for the harm caused, the airline alleged that the NLC and its leaders disregarded the demands and instead threatened further disruptions to its operations.