News

HoS Suspends Perm Sec over Sexual Harassment Allegation, Orders Probe

Published

2 weeks ago

June 13, 2024

Eric

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, has been suspended by the Office of the Head of Service over sexual harassment allegation.

The Head of Service, Folashade Yemi-Esan, said the permanent secretary would be on suspension pending the outcome of a probe into the allegation against him.

“The permanent secretary has been suspended pending the outcome of the probe by the committee set up, “ a senior director in the OHCSF told our correspondent in Abuja.

It was learnt that following a petition submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, against Lamuwa, the HoS constituted a committee to look into the matter.

The complainant in the petition submitted by Tuggar was one Simisola Ajayi, who accused Lamuwa of serial sexual harassment.

Ajayi, in the petition filed by her lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), outlined alleged instances of harassment.

In a letter addressed to the Head of Service on May 27, 2024, Tuggar expressed his concern over the serious nature of the allegations involving the permanent secretary.

“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,” the minister stated in the letter.

An official familiar with the case told our correspondent on Wednesday that following the receipt of Tuggar’s letter on the allegation against Lamuwa, the HoS had set up a probe panel.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, said, “Yes, the Head of Service has set up a committee to probe the whole matter. There are pieces of evidence, which will be tabled and witnesses who will also be invited to speak on the matter, so it is not a matter that will be swept under the carpet.

“The minister (Tuggar) is also very much interested in the outcome. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a special ministry that operates even outside the shores of the country, so you can’t expect that an issue of such gravity will be swept under the carpet.”

Ajayi had, in a petition dated May 29, 2024 and addressed to Tuggar, accused the permanent secretary of serial sexual harassment.

The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP of Falana & Falana’s, was titled “Request For An Investigation Of Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa’s Conducts Of Sexual Harassment At The Place Of Work, Abuse Of Office, Official Intimidation And Discrimination.”

According to the petition, Ajayi narrated multiple instances of harassment allegedly by Lamuwa, which had created an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment.

She claimed for instance that during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances towards her, suggesting she joined him in his hotel room.

He reportedly continued with inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat.

She also cited an incident on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip.

The Punch

News

Senior Customs Officer Slumps, Dies at NASS Complex

Published

17 hours ago

June 25, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Tragedy struck on Tuesday at the National Assembly complex when the Deputy Comptroller of Finance Administration and Technical Service, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Essien Etop Andrew, slumped and died.

The deceased was appearing before a House Committee when the unfortunate incident occurred, according to a statement signed by House Spokesman/Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi Jnr.

The statement reads:

“It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm the passing of an esteemed official of the Nigeria Customs Service who was at the National Assembly for an engagement with a House Committee.

During the engagement, which occurred around 1.00pm on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the official developed sudden health complications. Despite the immediate and diligent efforts of first responders and medical personnel at the National Assembly Clinic, he unfortunately passed away.

Out of respect for the family, the official’s name will not be disclosed at this time.

The House of Representatives extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this difficult time. We recognize the significant contributions he made to the Nigeria Customs Service and to our nation.

The House of Representatives stands ready to support efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and is cooperating fully with all relevant authorities to ensure all necessary protocols are followed.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., expressed his condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a dedicated public servant. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time.”

Further information will be provided as it becomes available. We ask for patience and respect for the privacy of the family during this period of mourning.

Our sympathies are with his loved ones.”

Thank you.

Source: CKNNews

News

Police Arrest Suspected Killers of Army General in Abuja

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2024

Eric

The FCT Police Command have arrested suspected killers of a retired Army General in Abuja.

Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwe, was murdered by suspected armed robbers at his residence.

The late brigadier general was attacked at his Sunshine Homes Estate by armed robbers at about 3am, on Saturday.

The Police in a video obtained by CKNNews revealed one of the killers.

The 33 year suspect by the Ibrahim Rabiu from Kano State claimed he led the group.

According to him, five of them were involved in the operation.

He claimed that they live with the Apo area of Abuja

When pressed further on the gun belonging to the General which they made away with , he stated that it was handed over to someone whom he also named

He also revealed the name of members of the gang that stabbed the general several times until he died

Police investigation and interrogation is still ongoing.

CKNNews

News

Police Takeover Kano Emir’s Palace, Sack Hunters Guarding Sanusi

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2024

Eric

The Police have reportedly stormed the emir’s palace in Kano, and displaced the hunters protecting Muhammadu Sanusi, the recently reinstated emir.

According to Premium Times, the hunters who served as local guards left the palace as soon as the police officers took over the security of the building.

This was said to be a move aimed at securing the main palace for the relocation of Aminu Bayero, the deposed 15th Emir of Kano, following a court order that faulted his dethronement.

On Thursday, a federal high court in Kano nullified all actions of the state government repealing the Emirates Council Law of 2019.

In his ruling, Muhammad Liman, the presiding judge, said the defendants were aware of an interim order previously granted by the court but ignored it and implemented the law.