The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has formally raised concerns about allegations of sexual harassment involving the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa. These allegations were brought forward by Mrs. Simisola Ajayi.
According to The PUNCH, the issue was highlighted in a letter dated May 27, 2024, addressed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
This letter, seen on Tuesday, underscored the gravity of the allegations. In his communication, Tuggar stressed the need for a prompt and thorough investigation.
The letter, titled “Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi By Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs),” stated: “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,” Tuggar wrote.
The letter also included an attachment of the complaint received via email, with Tuggar offering his full cooperation in the investigation. “May I also assure you that I remain available to provide you with any assistance required in discharging your responsibilities,” he added.
Confirming the situation, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, acknowledged the authenticity of the complaint in an interview on Tuesday. “Yes. The complaint is true,” Abu-Ode said.
When reached for his response, Lamuwa declined to comment, stating, “I am in a meeting. Sorry, I cannot talk, please.” He also did not respond to a WhatsApp message on the matter at the time of filing this report.
Additionally, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, also refrained from commenting. “No comment. The matter is being looked into by the relevant authorities,” he said.
Mrs. Ajayi, in a petition dated May 29, 2024, and addressed to Minister Tuggar, accused the permanent secretary of serial sexual harassment. Represented by her lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Ajayi called for a comprehensive investigation into Lamuwa’s actions. The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP of Falana & Falana’s, was titled “Request For An Investigation Of Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa’s Conducts Of Sexual Harassment At The Place Of Work, Abuse Of Office, Official Intimidation And Discrimination.”
Ajayi detailed multiple instances of alleged harassment in her petition, describing an unsafe and uncomfortable work environment. One instance involved a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances towards her, suggesting she join him in his hotel room. She also mentioned an incident on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited her to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip.
