Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has formally filed a complaint with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) regarding allegations of sexual harassment against the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa.
In the letter to the HOCSF, Tuggar expressed deep concern over the serious nature of the allegations made by Mrs. Simisola Ajayi against Ambassador Lamuwa. He stressed the need for an urgent and thorough investigation into the matter.
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),” states: “I am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint 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 against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations handle it accordingly.”
The letter included an attachment of the complaint received via email, and Tuggar assured the HOCSF of his full cooperation in the investigation. “May I also assure you that I remain available to provide you with any assistance required in discharging your responsibilities,” he added.
Ambassador Eche Abu-Ode, the spokesperson for the Ministry, confirmed the development in an interview. “Yes. The complaint is true,” he said when asked to verify the authenticity of the letter.
Attempts to get a reaction from Ambassador Lamuwa were unsuccessful. When contacted by phone, Lamuwa declined to comment, stating, “I am in a meeting. Sorry, I cannot talk, please.” He has also not responded to a WhatsApp message regarding the issue as of the time of filing this report.
The Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, similarly declined to comment, stating, “No comment. The matter is being looked into by the relevant authorities.”
Mrs. Simisola Ajayi, through her lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), filed a petition dated May 29, 2024, addressed to Minister Tuggar. In the petition, Ajayi accused Ambassador Lamuwa of serial sexual harassment and called for a thorough investigation into his actions. The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu of Falana & Falana’s Chambers, is 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.”
Ajayi detailed multiple instances of harassment in the petition, creating an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment. She claimed that during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, Lamuwa made inappropriate advances towards her, suggesting she join him in his hotel room. He reportedly continued with inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat. Another incident cited occurred on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip.
