The family of Janet Damiro, a 71-year-old Nigerian cleaner recently dismissed by the London School of Economics (LSE), has spoken out against what they describe as misleading media reports and misrepresentation surrounding her termination.
In a statement sent to Punch Online, Janet’s daughter, Aina Damiro, clarified the events leading to her mother’s dismissal, insisting the issue has been exaggerated and mischaracterised.
Aina explained that the incident happened in February at the end of Janet’s morning shift, when she found a bracelet on the floor. Intending to turn it in, she mistakenly forgot about it.
The item remained untouched in her coin wallet, stored securely in her university locker.
“When asked about the bracelet days later, she was transparent and cooperative, returning it immediately and explaining the oversight,” Aina stated.
The family criticised the university’s handling of the matter, describing the dismissal as a harsh and insensitive reaction to an honest mistake.
They argued that Janet’s years of dedicated service at LSE and her nearing retirement age should have been considered.
“To portray her as dishonest is both unfair and painful. This was not theft—it was an error. The way the story has been framed raises serious concerns about how older, low-income workers, particularly women of colour, are treated,” the statement read.
They also noted that Janet had granted an interview to Metro UK not to seek sympathy, but to highlight the broader challenges faced by workers like herself, and urged the public and media to reassess the narrative being circulated.
“We call on institutions to show greater compassion and fairness to vulnerable and long-serving employees,” the family concluded.
