Minister Tuggar informs Head of Service about sexual harassment claims against Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Lamuwa, citing disturbing allegations by a married female employee.
Allegations of sexual harassment have rocked Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Minister Yusuf Tuggar informing the Head of Service, Folasade Yemi-Esan, about persistent claims against Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Lamuwa. In a letter dated May 27th, Tuggar underscored the "gravity of the matter" brought forth by Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi, a married female employee, through her lawyer Femi Falana.
According to the petition, Lamuwa's alleged misconduct dates back to October 2023 during a policy retreat, where he inquired about Ajayi's baby, suggesting he would like to "join" in caring for it. Subsequent incidents cited include Lamuwa inviting Ajayi on a trip to Hong Kong, promising her life would "never remain the same," forcibly hugging her, and referring to her as a "stubborn woman."
The petition alleges that Lamuwa's inappropriate behavior extended to other female staff, with claims of near-rapes in hotel rooms and threats of removal from postings for rejecting his advances. Tuggar has requested Yemi-Esan to handle the matter accordingly, offering any assistance required.
This scandal has cast a dark shadow over Nigeria's foreign affairs ministry, raising questions about the safety and well-being of its employees, particularly women. As investigations proceed, all eyes will be on the government's response and measures taken to address these grave allegations.
