NEWS
NLC President Ajaero Allegedly Beaten By Police- Spokesperson
The Nigeria Labour Congress has claimed that its President, Joe Ajaero, was subjected to physical abuse by the police upon his arrest in Imo State on Wednesday afternoon.
NLC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Benson Upah, stated in a release, confirming the release of Mr. Ajaero.
He said, “Contact was made with Congress President, Comrade Joe Ajaero this evening around 1530 hours at the Police Hospital in Owerri from where he was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owerri where he is receiving medical attention.”
While the police claimed that Mr. Ajaero was taken into custody for his protection, the NLC contends that he was subjected to brutality following his arrest.
Mr Ujah said “Thoroughly brutalised, his (Ajeoro’s) right eye at the time of contact was completely shut.
“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.”
Mr. Ajaero’s phones, money, and personal belongings were confiscated and have yet to be returned to him, as stated by Mr. Ujah. The police apprehended him at the NLC secretariat in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Wednesday.
Mr. Ajaero had visited the state for the NLC’s statewide protest and strike, addressing concerns such as the perceived lack of respect for workers, unpaid salaries, pensions, and various other issues, as described by the union.
As news of the development spread with the NLC accusing the Police of abducting its leader, the Imo State Police Command issued a statement, explaining that Mr Ajaero was picked up for his safety.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Command, ASP Okoye Henry, read in part, “It is pertinent to state that the NLC President was in Owerri as part of arrangements of the Congress to mobilise workers for a mega protest rally in the state.
“In the course of their planning, it was reported that suggestions arose for the lockdown of some essential facilities particularly the airport which led to some workers and other individuals resisting the picketing process leading to scuffles and heated arguments and an eventual attack on the person of the president by a mob.
Meanwhile the Imo State Government denied any connection to the arrest. In a statement, Declan Emelumba, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, referred to those accusing the government as “perennial mischief makers always crying wolf where there is none.”
Like the police, he said the planned strike in the State had been stopped by the National Industrial Court in Owerri and that “makes the planned action illegal”.
According to the commissioner, as a result of the injunction, the Imo State chapter of NLC announced that it was pulling out of the strike.
Accusing Mr Ajaero of defying a court order, he said “information at the disposal of government indicated that there might have been a fiasco between lawful workers of Imo State and lawless invaders from Abuja, which led to police intervention to maintain the peace”.
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has reportedly died, according to sources said to be close to his family.
The sources confirmed the development on Monday, October 19, 2026, although details surrounding the circumstances of his death remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
“Uduaghan is no more; he is dead,” one of the sources reportedly said.
SEE ALSO: Document reveals Akpoti-Uduaghan demanded N10b damages from husband before marriage, firm reacts
The reported death comes months after claims that the former governor had died circulated on social media before being dismissed by his media aide, Henry Unini.
In June, reports of Uduaghan’s alleged death spread across Facebook and WhatsApp, prompting Unini to publicly debunk the claims and assure the public that the former governor was alive.
“I can tell you for a fact that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is alive,” Unini said at the time.
“Frankly, I don’t know where the writer got his information from. The death of someone is not something you take and write about casually,” he added.
Unini acknowledged at the time that Uduaghan had been experiencing health challenges but maintained that he was receiving medical attention.
“It is now common knowledge that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has been sick, but he is receiving proper medical care,” the media aide said.
He also stated that the former governor was recuperating, assuring the public that there was no immediate cause for concern.
“There is no cause for alarm whatsoever,” Unini said.
The media aide thanked friends, well-wishers and residents of Delta State who contacted the family to verify the former governor’s condition. He also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
“The rumour was uncalled for,” he said while addressing the earlier reports.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about the circumstances surrounding Uduaghan’s reported death had yet to emerge.
The Delta State Government has commenced a ₦5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries across the state’s 500 wards.
The initiative, announced on Monday, will see each beneficiary receive ₦50,000 to support small businesses, strengthen household finances and stimulate economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: Two Arrested as Delta Police Uncover Cache of Illegal Weapons
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Asaba.
Ifeajika explained that the programme was designed to complement the state government’s investments in critical infrastructure with direct financial assistance to residents.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed local government councillors to facilitate the distribution of the funds, with each of the 500 wards expected to reach at least 200 beneficiaries.
He added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for Deltans, in line with the people-centred objectives of the MORE Agenda.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for plans to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares of Dangote Refinery on behalf of eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.
Alausa described the initiative as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation among young Nigerians.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, October 19, 2026, the initiative is expected to benefit up to four million students aged 18 and above, with each eligible student expected to receive 10 IPO shares without requiring prior investment or share purchase.
The minister said the programme would expose students to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning, preparing them for greater economic participation and financial independence.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by connecting education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
According to Alausa, the initiative reflects the importance of partnerships between the education sector and private organisations in equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the economy.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education remained committed to strengthening private-sector partnerships to improve educational quality, relevance, equity and efficiency while preparing learners for a changing economy.
While appreciating the foundation’s contribution to youth development, the minister clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value.
He stressed that the ministry’s position “does not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.”
Alausa also encouraged other corporate organisations to support similar initiatives that promote financial awareness, economic productivity and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
He urged businesses to support NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda in building a financially informed and economically productive generation.
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