A 71-year-old Nigerian grandmother, Janet Damiro, who works as a cleaner at the London School of Economics (LSE) in the United Kingdom, has been sacked over allegations of stealing a gold bracelet at the institution, Peak Newspaper Nigeria reports.
Damiro, who moved to the UK from Nigeria in 1971 and has worked at LSE for 13 years, explained that she found the misplaced item during her night shift and intended to hand it over to the management after work.
However, the septuagenarian said she forgot to inform the school authorities and left the bracelet in her purse. According to her, she returned the item three days later when questioned by management, but was nonetheless dismissed for what the institution described as gross misconduct.
“I can’t sleep. I have never had a bad record or been to HR before in my life,” she said tearfully.
“LSE have treated me really badly. It was my only job, and I loved working there. I never expected to be suspended or dismissed. I did not steal this thing. If I see any items, I always hand them over.
“This is the first time in my life I have had a problem like this since I came to this country. It is really bugging me.
“I don’t steal. I’m not a thief. I’ve worked at LSE for over 10 years without any problems. I just forgot. At my age, you can forget like that.
“They look at me like I’m a thief. It’s unfair. I’ve not been myself at all. I don’t sleep at night. I don’t have a job now, but I have to pay my rent and bills. Who’s going to employ me at this age?”
In response to the incident, over 70 of her colleagues, including three supervisors, have written to LSE management in her defence, vouching for her honesty and professionalism.
Additionally, students at the school, alongside her trade union, United Voices of the World, have condemned the decision to lay her off, criticizing the handling of the matter and describing Damiro as a worker who has always conducted herself with integrity and a strong work ethic.
The protesters have since launched a petition calling for her reinstatement, describing the punishment as deeply disturbing and disproportionate to what they believe was a minor mistake.
Meanwhile, the university management has declined to comment publicly, citing the ongoing nature of the case. An appeal hearing, initially scheduled for May 22, was adjourned, with a new date set for later in June.
