Ayobamiji Komolafe 
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has hired international forensic experts to conduct a thorough security audit of its Abuja national secretariat following a controversial police raid on July 7.
The union’s move aims to ensure the safety and integrity of its premises after concerns that surveillance devices might have been planted during the raid.
The raid, which took place late at night, involved security agents from various branches, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to NLC spokesperson Benson Upah, the operatives forcibly entered the building, arrested the security guards, and demanded keys to offices on the second floor.
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“The security operatives, some from the Nigeria Police Force, some wearing black tee-shirts, presumably from the Department of State Services, and others in mufti, swooped on the 10th Floor of the NLC and arrested the security operative on duty.
They then commanded him to the second floor where he was asked to produce the keys to the offices,” Upah said.
The police claimed the operation was aimed at uncovering incriminating documents related to an international “subversive” figure deemed a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
However, the NLC has rejected this explanation, accusing the authorities of overreach and demanding the return of seized documents and the release of arrested members.
In response, the NLC has initiated a comprehensive forensic security audit. Chris Onyeka, National Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, stated, “The NLC, in its National Executive Council meeting, deliberated and agreed that there is a need to conduct a forensic security audit to ensure that people are safe, and nothing was planted in its headquarters among other things before they resume back to their offices.”
He added, “The forensic checks are being conducted by international experts, who have already begun working to secure the premises against any potential surveillance devices.” Onyeka also emphasized the union’s dissatisfaction with the police’s justification, stating, “The NLC met in their National Executive Council meeting and demanded an apology from the Federal Government and the police, which has not been offered till now.”
