Minister escalates woman’s complaint to HOCSF over alleged sexual harassment by perm sec
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa has been put on the hot seat by his staff, Mrs Simisola Ajayi, alleging sexual harassment
Mrs Simisola fired a petition to theMinister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, alleging that Lamuwa has been making sexual passes at her, including inviting her to his hotel room.
Tuggar forwarded the complaint to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to investigate the allegation and act accordingly.
In a letter addressed to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) dated May 27, 2024, Tuggar said that given the serious nature of the allegation levelled against the permanent secretary by Mrs Simisola Ajayi, the head of the service should urgently and thoroughly address the matter.
The letter was titled, “Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi by Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).”
It read, “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, and Tuggar assured the HOCSF 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.
Mrs Simisola had in a petition dated May 29, 2024, addressed to Tuggar, accused the permanent secretary of serial sexual harassment.
Ajayi, through her lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), called for a thorough investigation into the actions of Amb. Lamuwa.
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.”
According to the petition, Ajayi narrated multiple instances of harassment allegedly by Lamuwa, which have created an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment.
She claimed for instance that during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances towards her, suggesting she joined him in his hotel room.
He reportedly continued with inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat.
She also cited an incident on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip.