The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has formally lodged a complaint with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation regarding allegations of sexual harassment against the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa.
In a letter dated May 27, 2024, Tuggar expressed concern over the seriousness of the allegations made by Mrs. Simisola Ajayi and emphasized the need for urgent and thorough investigation. The letter, titled “Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi By Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs),” highlighted the gravity of the matter and included an attachment of the complaint received via email.
Tuggar assured the Head of Service of his full cooperation in the investigation, stating, “May I also assure you that I remain available to provide you with any assistance required in discharging your responsibilities.”
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, confirmed the authenticity of the complaint in an interview. When contacted for his reaction, Lamuwa declined to comment, citing a meeting and not responding to follow-up messages.
Ajayi, through her lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), filed a petition dated May 29, 2024, calling for a thorough investigation into Lamuwa’s alleged conduct. 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,” narrated multiple instances of alleged harassment.
Ajayi claimed that during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, Lamuwa made inappropriate advances and continued with inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat. Another incident cited occurred on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited her to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip.
The matter is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities, as confirmed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
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