Uproar as UK University fires 71-year-old Nigerian woman over bracelet

A 71-year-old Nigerian grandmother, Janet Olufunke Damiro, has been dismissed from her cleaning position at the London School of Economics (LSE) after being accused of stealing a gold bracelet.

But in a show of support, over 70 of Damiro’s colleagues—including three supervisors have signed a letter to LSE management vouching for her honesty and strong work ethic while students at the university have also launched a petition calling for Damiro’s reinstatement

According to a report published on Thursday by Metro UK, Damiro—who moved to the United Kingdom in 1971 and had worked at LSE for 13 years—said she found the bracelet during her shift and placed it in her purse with the intention of handing it in later.

However, she forgot to do so and returned the item three days later when questioned by management.

Despite returning the bracelet and having no prior disciplinary record, Damiro was suspended and subsequently dismissed in April on the grounds of gross misconduct.

“I can’t sleep. I have never had a bad record or been to HR before in my life,” she told Metro. “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’ve had a problem like this since I came to this country. It’s really bugging me.”

Already, over 70 of Damiro’s colleagues—including three supervisors—signed a letter to LSE management vouching for her honesty and strong work ethic.

“Janet has always conducted herself with integrity and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic,” the letter stated.

Damiro’s trade union, United Voices of the World (UVW), has appealed the dismissal, criticising the university’s handling of the incident.

In a statement published on the union’s website, Damiro said: “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?”

LSE has declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing nature of the proceedings.

Meanwhile, students at the university have launched a petition calling for Damiro’s reinstatement, describing the dismissal as “deeply disturbing” and characterising the situation as a “minor mistake” that should not warrant such severe consequences.

An appeal hearing initially set for May 22 was postponed, with a new date scheduled for later in June.