ICPC summons foreign affairs ministry employee amid graft probe
By Innocent Raphael
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has summoned Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi, an employee of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption.
Ajayi, a married civil servant, recently accused Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, of sexual harassment. The allegations were brought to light through Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who communicated Ajayi’s claims to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.
Minister Tuggar had previously notified Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Service of the Federation, about persistent sexual harassment allegations against Lamuwa. In a letter dated May 27, Tuggar expressed the necessity of addressing the issue due to its serious nature.
Lamuwa has denied the allegations, asserting that he refused Ajayi’s request for financial assistance during an overseas trip.
In a new development, the ICPC has directed Ajayi to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on Friday, June 14, for an interview.
A letter of invitation dated June 11 and addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which TheCable has seen, indicates that the commission is investigating potential violations of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The letter, signed by S. Yahaya, the acting director of operations at the ICPC, requests that Ajayi be made available for an interview at 11:00 AM on June 14. The specific nature of the alleged violations was not disclosed in the letter.
