Sexual Assault Allegations In Foreign Affairs Ministries: Minister Lodges Official Complaint

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has officially lodged a complaint to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation regarding sexual assault allegations against Permanent Secretary Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa by Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi.

In a letter dated May 27, 2024, Ambassador Tuggar expressed the urgency of the situation, citing multiple harassment incidents involving female staff in the ministry. Tuggar offered full cooperation for the investigation and urged the Head of the Civil Service to address the matter seriously.

The letter, titled "Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment of Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi by Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs)," underscores the gravity of the allegations and includes a copy of the complaint received via email.

https://youtu.be/jg6eocjVKLQ?si=ueFQ08MYGINw5P99

Tuggar emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, "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."

Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Alkassim Abdulkadir, confirmed the authenticity of the complaint, stating, "It's true."

The Nigerian constitution condemns sexual harassment, with Section 351 and Section 352 prescribing significant penalties for such offenses.