IGP orders probe into alleged assault of NLC President in Imo

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a probe into the alleged assault of the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, by some police officers.

According to a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP has directed the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to take over the matter and conduct a thorough and unbiased inquiry.

The press release stated that the police has received different versions of the incident, which occurred on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the NLC headquarters in Abuja, where some police officers reportedly manhandled and injured Ajaero during a protest by the labour union.

“Consequently, he has directed the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department to take over the matter with the primary objective of ascertaining the true facts surrounding the incident and to address any ambiguities that may exist as the Police has been inundated with different versions of the incident making investigations imperative to clear the conflicting accounts.

“The Nigeria Police Force understands the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust. “The IGP therefore assures the public, most especially the leadership of the organized labour, that a thorough and unbiased inquiry will be conducted to provide clarifications while urging organized labour and the public to remain calm, as he has personally intervened to address the issues surrounding this incident.

“The investigation has commenced, and the Nigeria Police Force guarantees that it will be followed to a conclusive end, and appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” the statement read.

The IGP assured the public, especially the leadership of the organized labour, that the investigation will provide clarifications and address any ambiguities that may exist.

He also urged the labour union and the public to remain calm, as he has personally intervened to address the issues surrounding the incident.

The NLC president had earlier accused the police of brutality and violation of his fundamental human rights. He said he was assaulted by some police officers who tried to stop him and other labour leaders from entering the NLC secretariat.

He said he sustained injuries and demanded an apology and compensation from the police. He also called for the prosecution of the officers involved in the assault.