Sexual Harassment: Foreign Affairs permanent secretary suspended
The Office of the Head of Service (HoS) has suspended Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following serious allegations of sexual harassment.
This development comes amid a formal investigation into the claims brought against him.
Head of Service, Folashade Yemi-Esan, announced the suspension, stating that it will remain in effect until the conclusion of the investigation.
“The permanent secretary has been suspended pending the outcome of the probe by the committee set up,” a senior director in the OHCSF confirmed.
The allegations surfaced after Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, filed a petition against Lamuwa. The complaint, submitted by Simisola Ajayi and represented legally by Femi Falana (SAN), detailed multiple instances of alleged harassment.
In his letter dated May 27, 2024, Tuggar expressed concern over the severity of the allegations. “I am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment,” he wrote. He urged the HoS to address the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
The petition from Ajayi, dated May 29, 2024, outlined several alleged incidents, including an episode during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, where Lamuwa reportedly made inappropriate advances and remarks. Another cited incident involved an invitation to travel to Hong Kong on November 10, 2023, with promises of personal benefits.
An official close to the case, who requested anonymity due to its sensitive nature, stated that a probe panel has been established to thoroughly investigate the allegations. “There are pieces of evidence which will be tabled, and witnesses will also be invited to speak on the matter, so it is not a matter that will be swept under the carpet,” the official said.
Minister Tuggar is reportedly keenly interested in the investigation’s outcome, highlighting the importance of addressing such issues within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a key institution operating both domestically and internationally.
The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP of Falana & Falana’s, 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’s detailed account describes a pattern of harassment, fostering an unsafe and uncomfortable work environment.
The ongoing probe will aim to uncover the truth behind these serious accusations and ensure accountability within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
