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, over allegations of sexual harassment of a married staff member, Simisola Fajemirokun, by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa.
The complaint was contained in a letter dated May 27, 2024, titled “RE: OFFICIAL COMPLAINT REGARDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF MRS. SIMISOLA FAJEMIROKUN AJAYI BY AMBASSADOR IBRAHIM ADAMU LAMUWA (PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS).”
“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,” the letter read.
“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?”
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It was gathered that this is not the first time the Permanent Secretary has sexually assaulted a married female staff member.
It was alleged that a more serious incident occurred last year, and the authorities at the ministry tried to cover it up.
This led to some female staff members threatening to go to court if the issue of sexual harassment is not addressed.
On issues of sexual harassment, Section 351 of the CRIMINAL CODE ACT states, “Any person who unlawfully assaults another is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable if no greater punishment is provided, to imprisonment for one year.”
Section 352: “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.”
