A 71-year-old Nigerian grandmother, Janet Olufunke Damiro, has been dismissed from her job at the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) after being accused of stealing a gold bracelet — a claim she strongly denies, explaining that she merely forgot to hand it in. The case has sparked public outcry, union intervention, and a student-led petition demanding justice.

Longstanding Service Cut Short by Controversial Accusation

According to a report by Metro UK, Damiro arrived in the United Kingdom from Nigeria in 1971 and had dedicated over a decade — 13 years in total — to cleaning work at LSE. Her tenure was abruptly cut short after she was found with a gold bracelet, which she had reportedly picked up during her cleaning shift.

Damiro explained that she placed the bracelet in her purse with the intention of turning it in later but forgot to do so. Management only discovered the situation three days after the incident, prompting an inquiry. Upon being asked, she promptly returned the item but was still placed on suspension and later dismissed in April for what the university termed “gross misconduct.”

“They Treated Me Badly”: Damiro Speaks Out

Speaking to the media and her trade union, United Voices of the World (UVW), Damiro expressed deep anguish over the way she was treated.

“I can’t sleep. I have never had a bad record or been to HR before in my life,” she said emotionally. “LSE have treated me really badly. It was my only job, and I loved working there. I never expected to be suspended or dismissed.”

She continued, “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.”

Her emotional account also touched on the personal cost of the situation: “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?”

Strong Support from Colleagues and Supervisors

More than 70 of Damiro’s coworkers have voiced their disapproval of her dismissal by penning a letter to LSE management. Among the signatories were three supervisors who have worked directly with her.

“Janet has always conducted herself with integrity and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic,” the letter stated, urging the institution to reconsider its decision.

This collective defense paints a clear picture of Damiro’s standing within the workplace as a dependable and respected team member. Her colleagues described her as honest, hardworking, and deeply committed to her role at LSE.

Trade Union Condemns the Decision

The United Voices of the World (UVW), the union representing Damiro, has not only appealed her dismissal but also publicly condemned LSE’s handling of the situation. UVW argued that the punishment was disproportionate and failed to take into account Damiro’s age, longstanding service, and spotless record.

A UVW spokesperson criticized the university’s approach: “This is a clear case of institutional rigidity and a lack of compassion. Janet made an honest mistake and did not act with malicious intent. To treat a senior worker with such disregard after more than a decade of service is unjust and inhumane.”

The union has called on LSE to reverse the decision and reinstate Damiro while acknowledging the broader implications for other low-paid, migrant, and elderly workers facing similar workplace injustices.

Student Body Mobilizes in Solidarity

Adding momentum to the growing movement in Damiro’s defense, LSE students have launched a petition demanding her reinstatement. Describing the university’s action as “deeply disturbing,” the students argued that the incident was a “minor mistake” that did not warrant the termination of employment.

The petition quickly gained traction, with signatories citing the need for fairness, proportionality, and compassion in disciplinary decisions, especially when dealing with vulnerable employees.

University Remains Silent

When approached for comment, the London School of Economics declined to issue a statement, citing the ongoing nature of the internal appeals process. However, the lack of communication has fueled further frustration among Damiro’s supporters, who are calling for transparency and accountability.

Postponed Appeal Hearing Scheduled for June

An appeal hearing that was initially set for May 22 was unexpectedly postponed. A new hearing date has now been scheduled for later in June, and both the union and supporters are hopeful that Damiro’s case will be reviewed with empathy and a sense of justice.

UVW has pledged to continue advocating for her reinstatement and to push for reforms that prevent similar cases from recurring.

Broader Implications: Age, Memory, and Disciplinary Fairness

This case has sparked a wider conversation about ageism, due process, and the balance between workplace discipline and understanding human fallibility. Critics of LSE’s decision argue that forgetting to hand in a found item should not result in the termination of a loyal employee — particularly one who has served without incident for more than a decade.

Questions have been raised about whether institutions have appropriate mechanisms in place to distinguish honest mistakes from misconduct and whether they support elderly workers equitably.

Damiro’s experience has become a rallying point for advocates pushing for fairer treatment of workers in traditionally undervalued roles, especially those from immigrant and elderly populations.

A Call for Justice

As the appeal hearing draws near, public pressure continues to mount on the London School of Economics to correct what many perceive as a harsh and unjust decision. Damiro’s case now represents more than just a workplace dispute; it embodies a call for compassion, fairness, and the defense of human dignity in the workplace.

Whether the university will reverse its decision and offer Damiro reinstatement remains to be seen. Until then, her supporters remain resolute in their advocacy for what they believe is a simple matter of right versus wrong.