Minister Petitions HOS Over Alleged Sexual Harassment By Perm Sec

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has written a complaint letter to the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, requesting that action should be taken against the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa over alleged sexual harassment of a married female staff, Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun.

The complaint was contained in a letter dated, 27th May 2024, titled; ‘Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi By Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).”

The minister in the letter said, “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.

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

Unconfirmed sources have said the Permanent Secretary is in the habit of sexually harassing married women in the ministry.

When contacted on the issue, Special Adviser, Media and Communications Strategy to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Alkassim Abdulkadir said, “The matter is being looked into by appropriate authorities”.

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

Section 352 expressly stated that “Any person who assaults another with intent to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.

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