Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been suspended by the Office of the Head of Service (OHCSF) due to allegations of sexual harassment.
The suspension, pending the outcome of an investigation, was confirmed by a senior director in the OHCSF.
The Head of Service, Folashade Yemi-Esan, initiated the suspension following a petition submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar. The petition, filed by renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) on behalf of complainant Simisola Ajayi, outlined multiple instances of alleged harassment by Lamuwa.
In a letter dated May 27, 2024, Tuggar emphasized the severity of the allegations and urged the Head of Service to handle the matter appropriately. He wrote, “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. 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 allegations, detailed in a petition dated May 29, 2024, included claims that Lamuwa made inappropriate advances towards Ajayi during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, suggesting she join him in his hotel room. Additionally, Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong on November 10, 2023, promising personal benefits from the trip.
An official familiar with the case confirmed that a committee has been set up to investigate the allegations. “There are pieces of evidence, which will be tabled and witnesses who 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, adding that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is particularly interested in the outcome due to the serious nature of the allegations and the special status of the Ministry.
The petition by Ajayi, 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 allegations have highlighted the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure justice and maintain a safe working environment within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
