Union Leader Joe Ajaero of Nigeria's Labour Congress detained and subjected to assault

The police in Nigeria have faced strong criticism after the leader of the country's largest trade union alleged that he was detained and assaulted by them. Officials from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) stated that Joe Ajaero suffered severe blows to the head during a protest in the capital of Imo state. However, the police have denied these allegations and claimed that they apprehended Mr. Ajaero to protect him from a potential mob attack. A video circulating on social media showing Mr. Ajaero with facial injuries further fueled the criticism, with human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemning the "brutal and degrading" treatment. The NLC has been engaged in a prolonged dispute with the Imo state government over unpaid salaries and benefits. In a joint statement with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the NLC accused the police of inflicting injuries on Mr. Ajaero while dragging him on the ground. The police, on the other hand, argued that NLC members opposed to the union's plan for a lockdown of essential facilities in the state attacked Mr. Ajaero. Last month, labor unions called off a planned strike after the government agreed to temporarily increase wages and suspend value added tax on diesel. However, Mr. Ajaero warned that the strike would resume in 30 days if worker issues were not addressed by the government.