Drama In The Capital: DSS Re-Arrests Labour Leader Fighting For Workers’ Rights

The Department of State Services (DSS) has re-arrested Andrew Emelieze, the National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum, just three days after his earlier release, which followed a wave of public condemnation.

Sources confirmed that Emelieze was picked up again on Friday morning by DSS operatives and quietly arraigned in court. According to SaharaReporters, insiders allege the court appearance was a strategic move to obtain a “questionable warrant” to justify his continued detention.

His initial arrest in Ibadan, Oyo State, had triggered strong backlash, leading to his brief release earlier in the week.

Sources close to the Forum disclosed that his latest detention is tied to the group’s planned nationwide protest, aimed at pressuring the Federal Government to resolve outstanding issues such as minimum wage negotiations, unpaid allowances, and general workers’ welfare.

Although Emelieze was freed on Wednesday, the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has remained firm in its decision to proceed with the July 1 protest, rejecting government pleas to stand down.

Following its online general meeting held on Saturday, June 29, the Forum issued a statement through its National Secretary, affirming that verbal assurances from the government are not enough to suspend the demonstration.

“We cannot base our decisions on mere promises. Federal workers have endured too much suffering. It’s time to act,” the statement read.

Emelieze had earlier spoken with a government finance director who confirmed that the next tranche of the delayed wage award would likely be disbursed after the June salaries, with another skipped instalment to follow.

Despite their coordinator’s re-arrest, the Forum insists the protest will go ahead as scheduled.

“These arrests are a clear attempt to silence and intimidate workers. But we refuse to be cowed,” one member declared anonymously.

The group has now called on labour unions, civil society organisations, and the wider public to demand Emelieze’s immediate release and stand in solidarity with Nigerian workers.