Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has formally notified Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of Service of the Federation, regarding serious allegations of sexual harassment against Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary.
This followed a petition by one of the ministry’s female staff alleging sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct.
In the petition seen by TheNewsMatrics, Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi, through her lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), detailed the repeated cases of harassment by Lamuwa and called for an investigation.
Mrs. Ajayi’s petition, dated May 29, 2024, and 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,” outlines numerous instances of harassment.
The petition states, “Our attention has been drawn to the bizarre and continuous incidents of sexual harassment, intimidation, oppression, discrimination and conduct likely to breach the public peace within your esteemed Ministry by Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa.”
Ambassador Tuggar’s letter to the Head of Service, dated May 27, 2024, stresses the gravity of the situation: “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,” Tuggar wrote.
The petition recounts multiple disturbing incidents. In one instance, during an October 2023 policy retreat, Lamuwa approached Mrs. Ajayi with inappropriate advances, saying, “Is it a big baby or small baby- he suspects it’s a big baby and would like to find out so he can join.”
Another incident on November 10, 2023, involved Lamuwa inappropriately touching Mrs. Ajayi and making unsolicited invitations for personal trips.
Mrs. Ajayi’s lawyer revealed that despite earlier interventions, Lamuwa resumed his misconduct in May 2024, creating an unsafe working environment.
The petition also highlighted other female employees’ similar experiences with Lamuwa, further emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.
The minister urged swift action, noting, “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 petition concludes with a call for appropriate disciplinary measures against Lamuwa to prevent future occurrences of such behavior.
