The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, has been accused of sexually harassing a female staff member of the ministry. Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi, a married employee, disclosed the alleged misconduct in a petition to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, through her lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), urging the minister to investigate the permanent secretary and take disciplinary actions.
The petition, dated May 29, 2024, 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 of Falana & Falana’s Chambers. It detailed instances of alleged harassment and emphasized that similar issues had been raised before, with assurances that they would not recur. However, in May, Lamuwa allegedly resumed his inappropriate behavior, creating an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment.
The petition included specific incidents, such as on October 7, 2023, during a policy retreat, when Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances towards Ajayi, asking her to come to his room after the event. On November 10, 2023, he allegedly invited her to travel with him to Hong Kong, implying her life would change after the trip, and attempted to hug her inappropriately.
Ajayi had previously reported her concerns to the minister, who had assured her of addressing the issue. Despite this, Lamuwa allegedly continued his behavior. In May 2024, Ajayi reported another instance where Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate comments and physical advances in his office.
The petition also mentioned that a discreet investigation revealed more women with similar allegations against Lamuwa, including female directors and foreign service officers who faced harassment, threats, and professional repercussions for declining his advances.
The petition concluded by requesting a detailed investigation into the allegations and appropriate disciplinary actions if Lamuwa is found liable, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ethical standards and a safe work environment in the ministry.