The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has invited Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi, a married female employee of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, who accused Ibrahim Lamuwa, permanent secretary of the ministry, of sexual harassment, for interrogation.
Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, recently notified Folasade Yemi-Esan, head of service of the federation, about persisting allegations of sexual harassment against Lamuwa.
In a letter dated May 27 to Yemi-Esan, Tuggar said he felt it was necessary to write her following the “gravity of the matter”.
Ajayi, through Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and her lawyer, informed Tuggar of Lamuwa’s alleged sexual advances.
Lamuwa has since denied the allegation, claiming that he turned down Ajayi’s request to pay her bills during an overseas trip.
However, in a new twist to the saga, the ICPC has invited Ajayi to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on June 14 for an interview.
In a letter of invitation dated June 11 addressed to the minister of foreign affairs, sighted by TheCable, 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 section 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.
The letter, which was signed by S. Yahaya, acting director of information at the ICPC, did not give details of the violated Act to which Ajayi is being invited.
