Sexual Harassment: Minister Reports Permanent Secretary To Head Of Service

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has dragged the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa before the Head of Service over allegations of sexual harassment.

A married staff of the ministry, Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi had reported the sexual harassments of the permanent secretary in a petition to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, through her lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN).

The petition dated May 29, 2024, was signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP on behalf of Falana and Falana’s chambers, with subject “Request For An Investigation of Amb. Ibrahim conducts of Sexual Harassment at the Place of Work, Abuse of Office, Official Intimidation and Discrimination”.

The petition alleged that similar accusations had been made against Ambassador Ibrahim in the past.

“Our attention has been drawn to the bizarre and continuous incidents of sexual harassment, intimidation, oppression, discrimination and conduct likely to breach the public peace within your esteemed Ministry by Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa. Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa’s conduct has created an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment for our client and other staff within your Ministry due to the disturbing experiences and ordeals from the Permanent Secretary,” the letter read.

The Minister, in a letter addressed to the Head of Service of the Federation, acknowledged the gravity of the matter and attached a copy of the initial complaint received via email.

The letter reads:

“I am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador lbrahim 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.”

The letter further offered full cooperation with the Head of Service in investigating the allegations.