Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has been moved to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Imo State capital, for medical care. The followed his alleged arrest and brutalisation by the police.

FIJ learned from Benson Uper, NLC head of media, that police officials picked Ajaero in Owerri while the NLC was protesting over unpaid salaries, lack of respect for workers and other matters on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the police issued a statement denying involvement in his arrest and saying he was not in their custody.

Uper later said that Ajaero had been released and moved to the hospital.

He told newsmen: “Contact has been made with Congress President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, this evening around 3:30 pm [sic] at the Police Hospital in Owerri, from where he was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he is receiving medical attention.

“Thoroughly brutalised, his right eye at the time of contact was completely shut.”

He also said, “Ajaero, who said little, stated that immediately after his arrest, he was beaten up and blindfolded and taken to an unknown destination where more brutalisation took place, sometimes with bottles.

“His phones, money and other personal effects were taken off him and have not been returned to him.”

FIJ called Henry Okoye, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), but he did not take our calls. We also texted him but as of press time, he had not responded.