In response to the continued detention of Adeyemi Abayomi, a staff member of an Abuja-based bookshop located on the premises of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) secretariat, a rights group under the aegis of ‘Socialist Labour’ has called on the Federal Government to facilitate his immediate and unconditional release.
The group, represented by its Ibadan-based counsel, Femi Aborisade, issued a statement condemning the abduction and detention of Abayomi, who they described as a young and dedicated bookshop attendant working at Iva Valley Books in Abuja. Abayomi was reportedly seized by security agents on August 8, 2024, after a raid by police officers at the NLC secretariat.
In the statement signed by Dr. James Uanhoro and Dr. Izielen Agbon, prominent members of ‘Socialist Labour,’ the group expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding Abayomi’s detention. “Abayomi is a husband and father, a hardworking young man whose only crime is working for a bookshop selling pro-labour books in the Labour House owned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),” the statement read. The rights group further emphasized that Abayomi’s detention is a clear violation of his fundamental human rights, calling it an unjustifiable attack on the rights of individuals who support and promote the labor movement in Nigeria.
The group urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to secure Abayomi’s release, stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of citizens. They also called on the international community to take note of the growing trend of unlawful detentions and human rights violations in Nigeria, particularly targeting those associated with labor movements.
Aborisade, who is known for his advocacy on labor rights, highlighted the alarming nature of the incident. He pointed out that Abayomi’s abduction appears to be part of a broader crackdown on pro-labor activities, aiming to stifle dissent and silence voices advocating for workers’ rights.
The call for Abayomi’s release has garnered attention from other human rights organizations, activists, and labor unions across the country. Many have joined the demand, urging the government to ensure justice and accountability in the case.
As the situation unfolds, there is increasing concern about the potential implications for labor rights and freedom of expression in Nigeria. The Socialist Labour group has vowed to continue its efforts to secure Abayomi’s release and to hold those responsible for his unlawful detention accountable.
