Mohammed Bello Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), faces serious accusations of sexual harassment and unjust termination from Mercy Nkechi Ihenacho, a former employee of the organization.
Ihenacho, a lawyer previously associated with NPA’s subsidiary, Seaview Properties Ltd., and the Legal Department at NPA’s Marina headquarters in Lagos, filed a formal complaint against Bello Koko at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Lagos division, under case number NICN/LA/197/2023/ZNU28070.
The lawsuit contends that on May 16, 2023, Ihenacho was terminated from her position at NPA, citing her refusal of Bello Koko’s advances as the primary cause.
She alleges that the NPA Managing Director orchestrated her dismissal out of retaliation for rejecting his alleged romantic overtures, including an incident where she declined to kiss him in his office.
Ihenacho further asserts that Bello Koko threatened to “tear my clothing” when she rejected his advances. Additionally, she claims that Olakunle Onasanya, a Principal Manager and her supervisor at Seaview Properties Ltd., subjected her to sexual harassment and unwarranted advances.
The former employee contends that her refusal to comply with Bello Koko’s and Onasanya’s unwanted advances led to her victimization and subsequent termination from NPA.
In a report by Ships & Ports, Ihenacho implores the court for an order providing financial compensation, promotion to the appropriate grade level, and reinstatement at NPA. She seeks parity with other members of her 2019 cohort in terms of benefits. Ihenacho hopes for a fair resolution to the matter at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
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Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
