Minister files petition to HOS over allegations of sexual harassment by permanent secretary

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has written a letter of complaint to the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, requesting action to be taken against the permanent secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, for alleged sexual harassment of a married employee, Ms. Simisola Fajemirokun.

The complaint was contained in a letter dated May 27, 2024, titled: 'Subject: Formal complaint regarding the sexual harassment of Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi by Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs).”

The minister said in the letter: “I am compelled to write to you to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, over allegations of sexual harassment.

“Given the seriousness of the situation, I consider it necessary to draw your attention to it and ask you to deal with it accordingly.

“Please find attached a copy of the complaint I received by email. May I also assure you that I remain available to provide you with any assistance necessary to exercise your responsibilities?”

Unconfirmed sources said the permanent secretary had a history of sexually harassing married women in the ministry.

Contacted on this subject, the special advisor for media and communications strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkassim Abdulkadir, declared: “The matter is being examined by the competent authorities.”

Lamuwa could be in big trouble if the case is established against him as matters of sexual harassment are frowned upon by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

Article 352 expressly states that “Whoever molests another person with the intention of having carnal knowledge of him against the natural order is guilty of a crime and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.”

This is further corroborated by Article 360, which states that “any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults a woman or girl is guilty of an offence and is liable to imprisonment for two years.”