Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama-Tuggar and Amb. Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Lamuwa, has been accused of sexually harassing Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi, a married female staff member.
These allegations were formally reported by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar to the Head of Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, speaking on the severity of the situation.
Ajayi, through her lawyer Femi Falana, detailed multiple incidents of harassment. She claimed Lamuwa made inappropriate advances during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, and continued such behavior in subsequent encounters, including an invitation to travel to Hong Kong under the guise of professional duties. Ajayi also reported that Lamuwa had tried to embrace her forcibly on several occasions.
Ajayi’s petition mentioned specific incidents, such as during the policy retreat, when Lamuwa allegedly told her, “Is it a big baby or small baby? He suspects it’s a big baby and would like to find out so he can join.” Additionally, on November 10, 2023, Lamuwa reportedly invited her to travel to Hong Kong, assuring her that her “life would never remain the same after the trip.”
The petition also mentioned that other female staff members have allegedly faced similar harassment, suggesting a broader pattern of misconduct within the ministry. Tuggar has assured full cooperation in the investigation to address these allegations comprehensively.