How a 71-Year-Old Nigerian Grandmother Was Sacked Over a Bracelet at London University
Afnews Editor
Jun 06, 2025
A Nigerian grandmother was dismissed after finding a bracelet at LSE. Now over 70 staff and students are demanding justice. But what really happened? Click to read the full story.
https://youtu.be/C57m8e4XQA8
READ ALSO: Why 'I Feel Insulted' - Pastor Kingsley Blasts Ministers Over Viral Bible Tattoo
United Kingdom - June 5, 2025 | All Facts Newspaper
READ ALSO: HOW to Prevent Snake Attacks and What to Do Immediately After a Snake Bite | READ DETAILS
The London School of Economics (LSE) is at the centre of a growing controversy following its dismissal of 71-year-old Nigerian-born grandmother, Janet Olufunke Damiro, who worked as a cleaner at the university for 13 years.
READ ALSO: I Will Subject All Arms Of Govt To Routine Audit - Peter Obi
Her alleged offence? Forgetting to immediately report a bracelet she found while cleaning.
READ ALSO: Greg Ibe's Free Medical Outreach: Abia Health System Is In Shambles - Hon. Ichita
The incident, which many are calling a gross miscarriage of justice, has sparked outrage from colleagues, students, and her trade union, who are demanding her reinstatement and a full apology from the prestigious institution.
READ ALSO: Fani-Kayode Mourns, Reveals 24 Persons Close To Him That Died In 2020 Alone | SEE LIST
Janet, who arrived in the UK in 1971 and built a quiet, honest life, said she discovered a bracelet while on duty at the Saw Swee Hock Student Centre and placed it in her purse to keep it safe, intending to return it. Three days later, she was questioned by management, promptly returned the bracelet, and apologized.
READ ALSO: Stockpile of Arms discovered in Ebonyi, allege owners revealed
But despite her clean record and immediate cooperation, Janet was suspended and then terminated in April for gross misconduct.
READ ALSO: Why Doris Ogala Is Demanding 1bn From Pastor Chris Okafor | READ DETAILS
"I can't sleep. I have never had a bad record or been to HR before in my life. LSE have treated me really badly,ÔÇØ Janet told Metro UK in a tearful interview. "It was my only job and I loved working there. I never expected to be dismissed. I did not steal this thing.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji Condoles With Senator Mao Ohuabunwa Over Wife's Death
She added, "I have been left without a job, without income, and without justice.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: We Must Get Leadership Right - Onyekwere Akym Uche (OAU)
Colleagues and Union Rally Behind Janet
READ ALSO: Why Violence Is Rising In Relationships - Ifenkili Podcast Exposes Hidden Signs | WATCH VIDEO
Over 70 of her colleagues, including three supervisors, have signed a joint letter to LSE management, attesting to her integrity, work ethic, and professionalism. The letter reads:
"Janet has always conducted herself with integrity and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic. We confidently speak to her professionalism and dedication.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: How Nigerian Army Foiled Shocking Attempt to Sell Day-Old Baby for 3 Million in Calabar
Her union, United Voices of the World (UVW), has also launched an appeal and publicly condemned the university's actions.
READ ALSO: Why 'I Feel Insulted' - Pastor Kingsley Blasts Ministers Over Viral Bible Tattoo
A UVW spokesperson said:
READ ALSO: HOW to Prevent Snake Attacks and What to Do Immediately After a Snake Bite | READ DETAILS
"It is ludicrous and absurd to conclude she was stealing. If you were going to steal, you wouldn't bring the item back. Janet's treatment is disproportionate to her mistake.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: I Will Subject All Arms Of Govt To Routine Audit - Peter Obi
Students Join the Fight for Justice
READ ALSO: Greg Ibe's Free Medical Outreach: Abia Health System Is In Shambles - Hon. Ichita
LSE students have also taken action, launching a petition demanding her reinstatement. The petition reads:
READ ALSO: Fani-Kayode Mourns, Reveals 24 Persons Close To Him That Died In 2020 Alone | SEE LIST
"It is deeply disturbing that LSE would seek such sweeping punishment for a minor mistake.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: Stockpile of Arms discovered in Ebonyi, allege owners revealed
Institution Keeps Silent
READ ALSO: Why Doris Ogala Is Demanding 1bn From Pastor Chris Okafor | READ DETAILS
Despite public pressure, LSE has refused to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
READ ALSO: Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji Condoles With Senator Mao Ohuabunwa Over Wife's Death
Meanwhile, Janet remains without a job and worries about how she will afford rent in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
READ ALSO: We Must Get Leadership Right - Onyekwere Akym Uche (OAU)
As the campaign for justice grows, many are asking: Is this how a 71-year-old woman, with over a decade of loyal service, should be treated over an honest mistake?
Related Stories
[VIDEO] Convoy Recklessness in Akwa Ibom Sparks Outrage as Victim Speaks Out, Sends an Open Letter to Gov Eno
Why 'I Feel Insulted' - Pastor Kingsley Blasts Ministers Over Viral Bible Tattoo
HOW to Prevent Snake Attacks and What to Do Immediately After a Snake Bite | READ DETAILS
How Nigerian Army Foiled Shocking Attempt to Sell Day-Old Baby for 3 Million in Calabar
Why Doris Ogala Is Demanding 1bn From Pastor Chris Okafor | READ DETAILS
Why Violence Is Rising In Relationships - Ifenkili Podcast Exposes Hidden Signs | WATCH VIDEO
""
— Afnews Editor