A 71-year-old Nigerian woman, Janet Olufunke Damiro, has been dismissed by the London School of Economics (LSE) after being accused of stealing a gold bracelet — an item she insists she merely forgot to hand in.

According to Metro UK, Damiro, who moved to the United Kingdom from Nigeria in 1971, had worked at LSE for 13 years without prior disciplinary issues.

“I’m Not a Thief,” She Cries Out

“I did not steal this thing. I always hand items in when I find them. I simply forgot. It’s unfair. I’ve never been in trouble in my life, and now they look at me like I’m a thief,” Damiro lamented.

The grandmother explained that she discovered the bracelet during her cleaning shift and put it in her purse with plans to hand it in later. However, three days later, she was questioned by management, returned the item, but was suspended and ultimately dismissed in April for gross misconduct.

Support from Colleagues

Over 70 LSE staff members, including three supervisors, have written to the university in Damiro’s defense, describing her as honest, diligent, and professional throughout her time at the institution.

“Janet has always conducted herself with integrity and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic,” their statement read.

Trade Unions and Students Rally Behind Her

Her union, United Voices of the World (UVW), is appealing the dismissal and criticizing the university for what they call a “harsh and unfair treatment” of an elderly worker with a clean record.

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Students at LSE have also launched a petition calling for her reinstatement, describing her dismissal as a “deeply disturbing overreaction to a minor mistake.”

Appeal Hearing Pending

An initial appeal hearing scheduled for May 22 was postponed, with a new date now set for later in June. LSE has declined to comment publicly, citing the ongoing appeal process.

Meanwhile, Damiro is left jobless and emotionally distressed, wondering who would employ a 71-year-old woman in the UK.

“I can’t sleep. 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?” she said.

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