The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied an allegation that its officers carried out a raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) national secretariat in Abuja.
On Wednesday, August 7, the NLC in a press release alleged that police officers, along with some individuals in black T-shirts and others in plain clothes raided the Labour House.
Police spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi denied the allegation in a statement dated Friday, August 9, 2024 with reference number CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/207.
“The Nigeria Police Force has noted a publication alleging that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) national secretariat, known as the Labour House, located in the Central Business District, Abuja, was raided by the Police,” Adejobi said.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to clarify that a prime criminal suspect in an ongoing investigation was traced to a shop within the building in the Central Business District, Abuja.
“Detectives, armed with the appropriate legal authority, conducted an operation at the location, which turned out to be the NLC building.
“This well-coordinated, lawful operation was solely aimed at apprehending the prime suspect, a foreign national implicated in numerous criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries.
“We emphasize that this operation had no connection with the NLC, its secretariat, staff, or leadership.
“The NLC secretariat was not the focus of the operation, which was targeted at a rented shop within the building used by the suspect as a front for his criminal activities in Nigeria.
Adejobi said the police seeks the co-operation and support of the NLC leadership as they continue this investigation, which is vital to safeguarding the nation.
He explained that the high-profile nature of the suspect poses a significant security threat to Nigeria and other African nations, making this investigation crucial for the safety of all involved including the NLC.
Adejobi added that the police remains committed to upholding the rule of law, maintaining professionalism and respecting human rights in the discharge of their statutory duties.
“We also urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and to conduct security profiling of individuals seeking to rent space within their premises,” Adejobi said.
