June 11, (THEWILL) – A damaging allegation of sexual harassment is currently rocking Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibrahim Lamuwa, has been accused of sexually harassing one of the female staff members, Simisola Ajayi.
Confirming the development, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said he has formally lodged a complaint with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), on the matter.
In a letter sighted by THEWILL, dated May 27, 2024, Tuggar expressed his concern over the serious nature of the allegation levelled against the Permanent Secretary by Simisola Ajayi and called for an inquiry.
Titled, “Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi By Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs)”, Tuggar said, “I am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment.
“Bearing in mind the gravity of the matter, I feel it necessary to draw your attention to it and ask that you handle it accordingly.”
The letter included an attachment of the complaint received via email by the petitioner and Tuggar assured the HOCSF of his full cooperation in the investigation.
The Spokesperson for the Ministry, Eche Abu-Ode, confirmed the development on Tuesday.
Ajayi’s petition dated May 29, 2024, accused the Permanent Secretary of “serial sexual harassment”. Ajayi, through her lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, called for a thorough investigation into the actions of Lamuwa.
