By Prosper Mene
Janet Olufunke Damiro, a 71-year-old Nigerian grandmother, is battling to restore her reputation after being dismissed from her cleaning job at the London School of Economics (LSE) over allegations of stealing a bracelet. Damiro, who worked at the university for 13 years, was sacked in late April 2025 for “gross misconduct” following an incident involving a misplaced bracelet at the Saw Swee Hock Student Centre.
Damiro, who immigrated to the UK in 1971, told Metro UK she found the gold bracelet during her shift and placed it in her purse for safekeeping, intending to report it but forgetting to do so. Three days later, university management questioned her about the lost item. She immediately returned the bracelet and apologized profusely. Despite her cooperation, she was suspended and subsequently terminated, a decision that has sparked outrage among her colleagues and union members.
“I was devastated. I’ve worked hard for 13 years, six days a week, and this is how it ends,” Damiro said, emphasizing her innocence. Over 70 coworkers and union representatives have rallied in her support, condemning the university’s handling of the situation as unfair and overly harsh.
The dismissal has drawn significant attention on social media, with posts on expressing anger and disbelief at the treatment of the elderly cleaner. Many have called for a review of the decision, citing Damiro’s long service and the lack of evidence of malicious intent.
The London School of Economics has not publicly commented on the case, but the incident raises questions about workplace policies on lost items and the treatment of long-serving staff. Damiro remains determined to clear her name, supported by her community as she scales through the aftermath of this ordeal
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