Perm Sec dragged before Head of Service as sexual harassment allegation rocks Foreign Affairs Ministry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently embroiled in a case of sexual harassment.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, has been accused of sexual misconduct.

In response, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has formally filed a complaint with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The spokesperson for the Ministry, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, confirmed the development in an interview on Tuesday.

In a letter dated May 27, 2024, the Minister, expressed his apprehension regarding the gravity of the accusations Mrs Simisola Ajayi made against the permanent secretary, stressing how critical it is to deal with the issue.

Ajayi in a petition dated May 29, 2024, accused the permanent secretary of sexual harassment regularly
and demanded a thorough probe into the matter through her attorney Femi Falana (SAN).

The petition 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” was signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP of Falana & Falana Chambers.

Ajayi, in her petition, described several alleged instances of harassment by Lamuwa which led to the creation of a dangerous and uncomfortable work environment.

The letter of the Minister requesting the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to look into the matter was titled, “Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi By Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).”

Part of 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,”