EXCLUSIVE: Twist as ICPC probes minister’s aide who accused perm sec of sexual harassment

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi, an aide of the minister of foreign affairs, for interrogation over a probe into alleged graft.

Ajayi is a married female employee who accused Ibrahim Lamuwa, permanent secretary of the ministry, of sexual harassment.

Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, had 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 and addressed 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), had 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 Friday, June 14 for an “interview”.

In a letter of invitation dated June 11 addressed to the minister of foreign affairs — and seen 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 operations at the ICPC, did not give details of the violated act for which Ajayi was invited.