The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has taken formal action by lodging a complaint against the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, regarding allegations of sexual harassment. In a letter addressed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) dated May 27, 2024, Tuggar expressed grave concern over the seriousness of the accusations made by Mrs. Simisola Ajayi.
Tuggar stressed the urgency and importance of addressing the matter thoroughly. The complaint, titled “Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment of Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi by Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs),” was accompanied by an attachment of the email containing the complaint.
In his letter, Tuggar assured the HOCSF of his full cooperation in the investigation and offered his assistance as needed. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, confirmed the authenticity of the complaint when contacted by a correspondent.
Ambassador Lamuwa declined to comment when approached, stating he was in a meeting. The Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, also refrained from commenting, stating that the matter was being handled by relevant authorities.
The complainant, Mrs. Simisola Ajayi, through her lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), submitted a petition dated May 29, 2024, to Ambassador Tuggar, detailing instances of alleged sexual harassment by Ambassador Lamuwa. Ajayi called for a thorough investigation into Lamuwa’s conduct, citing incidents of inappropriate advances and remarks made during official events and communications.
