The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, has been suspended by the Office of the Head of Service (OHCSF) over allegations of sexual harassment.
The Head of Service, Folashade Yemi-Esan, announced that Lamuwa would remain suspended pending the outcome of a thorough investigation into the allegations. A senior director in the OHCSF confirmed to our correspondent in Abuja, “The permanent secretary has been suspended pending the outcome of the probe by the committee set up.”
This suspension follows a formal petition submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, against Ambassador Lamuwa. In response to the petition, the Head of Service constituted a committee to investigate the matter comprehensively. The committee’s findings will determine the next steps regarding Lamuwa’s position and any further actions to be taken.
The complainant in the petition submitted by Minister Yusuf Tuggar is Simisola Ajayi, who accused Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa of serial sexual harassment. Ajayi, through her lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), detailed several instances of alleged harassment in her petition.
In her petition, Ajayi outlined a pattern of inappropriate behavior and harassment by Lamuwa, which she claimed created a hostile work environment. These allegations have raised significant concern within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and prompted swift action from senior officials.
Minister Yusuf Tuggar, in a letter addressed to the Head of Service on May 27, 2024, emphasized the gravity of the allegations against Lamuwa. Tuggar’s letter underscored the importance of addressing the matter urgently and transparently to ensure justice and maintain the integrity of the Ministry. In response to this letter, Head of Service Folashade Yemi-Esan suspended Lamuwa and set up a committee to investigate the claims.
The investigation, spearheaded by this committee, aims to thoroughly examine the allegations and determine the validity of Ajayi’s claims. The findings of this probe will be crucial in deciding the future course of action regarding Lamuwa’s position and any further disciplinary measures.
“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 minister stated in the letter.
An official familiar with the case told our correspondent on Wednesday that following the receipt of Tuggar’s letter on the allegation against Lamuwa, the HoS had set up a probe panel.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, said, “Yes, the Head of Service has set up a committee to probe the whole matter. There are pieces of evidence, which will be tabled and witnesses who will also be invited to speak on the matter, so it is not a matter that will be swept under the carpet.
“The minister (Tuggar) is also very much interested in the outcome. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a special ministry that operates even outside the shores of the country, so you can’t expect that an issue of such gravity will be swept under the carpet.”
Ajayi had, in a petition dated May 29, 2024 and addressed to Tuggar, accused the permanent secretary of serial sexual harassment.
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 had 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.
