Minister Acts as Pregnant Staff Accuses Foreign Affairs Perm Sec of Sexual Harassment
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Minister Acts as Pregnant Staff Accuses Foreign Affairs Perm Sec of Sexual Harassment
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has formally addressed allegations of serial sexual harassment against Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
The accusations involve harassment of a married, pregnant staff member, Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi, and have now reached the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan.
The complaint, contained in a letter dated May 27, highlights the gravity of the situation, prompting Tuggar to seek intervention from Yemi-Esan after internal efforts to manage the scandal failed.
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INCNews247 gathered that despite multiple warnings from the Minister, Lamuwa allegedly persisted in his inappropriate conduct, leading to the escalation of the matter.
Ajayi, represented by her lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, lodged a formal petition detailing instances of harassment.
The petition outlines an encounter on October 7, 2023, during a policy retreat, where Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate remarks and advances towards Ajayi.
Further incidents include Lamuwa’s attempts to persuade Ajayi to accompany him on a trip to Hong Kong, coupled with promises of professional and personal benefits.
The document reveals that Ajayi is not the sole victim, as four other women have come forward, willing to testify about their experiences of sexual harassment by Lamuwa.
The petition also uncovers more severe allegations, including near-rape incidents and the misuse of official power to intimidate and discriminate against female staff members who resisted Lamuwa’s advances.
In response, Minister Tuggar has called on Yemi-Esan to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, stressing the need for accountability to prevent future occurrences.
He has assured his full cooperation in the investigation process.
When approached for comments, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated, “No comment, the matter is being looked into by the relevant authorities.”
At the press time, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Amb. Abu-Obe Eche, was unavailable for comment.
