Contrary to reports, the Imo State Police Command has refuted claims of arresting Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

It was alleged that the Nlc President was detained by police officers during a protest in Owerri, the capital of Imo state.

Ajaero had organized the protest to rally Imo workers against the state government’s alleged mistreatment and infringement on workers’ rights and privileges.

In response to the arrest allegations, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Okoye, clarified that Ajaero was taken into custody due to an assault on him.

The attack transpired during a contentious discussion between the protesters, who suggested shutting down essential facilities, such as the state airport.

The statement reads, “Upon receiving this report, the Imo Police Command swiftly deployed police operatives to the scene where the Officer in Charge exercised his operational discretion by taking the NLC President into protective custody at the State Command Headquarters to ensure the protection of his life and that he was not lynched in the scuffle that followed.

“The Commissioner of Police thereafter directed that he should be taken to the Police Medical Services, Owerri, where he would be accorded medical attention as a result of the attack.

“He has therefore been accorded adequate security cover to proceed on his other legitimate engagements for the day.”