Sexual harassment: ICPC investigates accuser of Permanent Secretary

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has summoned Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi, a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for questioning over alleged sexual harassment against Mr. Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.

The letter, signed by S. Yahaya, the Acting Director of Operations at the ICPC, invited Ajayi for an interview without specifying the specific allegations or violations under investigation, leaving the nature of the inquiry unclear.

Ajayi, a married female civil servant, had previously made allegations of sexual harassment against Mr. Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, but is now facing an investigation by the ICPC, unrelated to her previous claims.

Persecondnews recalls that Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has recently informed Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Service of the Federation, about ongoing allegations of sexual harassment involving Lamuwa.

In a letter dated May 27, addressed to Yemi-Esan, Tuggar said that he was compelled to bring the issue to her attention due to its seriousness and significance, emphasizing the importance of addressing the matter.

Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), acting on behalf of Ajayi, previously notified Minister Tuggar of the allegations of sexual harassment made against Lamuwa.

However, Lamuwa has vehemently denied the allegations, instead claiming that he rejected Ajayi’s request for financial assistance with her expenses during a foreign trip.

In a surprising development, ICPC has requested that Ajayi report to their Abuja headquarters on Friday, June 14, for a formal questioning, signaling a new direction in the ongoing investigation.

In a letter of invitation dated June 11 addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the commission said it is “investigating an alleged violation of provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and it has become imperative to have recourse to your office.

“In view of the above, pursuant to Sections 28 and 40 of the said Act, you are kindly requested to release and direct Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi of the ministry to appear for an interview before the undersigned at the Commission’s headquarters, Abuja, on Friday 14th June, 2024 at 1100 hours,” the letter reads.