Biomedics Staff Dismissed Over Same-Sex Misconduct Claim, Raising Questions About Discrimination and Workplace Ethics in Nigeria

By Emmanuela Falana 

Lagos, Nigeria— Biomedics Diagnostics Company has announced the termination of one of its employees, Mr. Tobi Oluwatosin Aderibigbe, following the conclusion of an internal investigation into allegations of professional misconduct during an official training exercise held in Abuja from July 29 to July 31, 2025.

According to a statement released by the company’s management, the disciplinary action followed a formal complaintlodged by a colleague, Mr. James Adesoji, concerning an incident that occurred during the ValGenesis Validation Software Training, a professional workshop attended by several company representatives.

The investigation panel, established by the management to probe the allegations, reviewed witness testimonies, written submissions, and supporting evidence before concluding that Mr. Aderibigbe engaged in inappropriate personal behaviour and made illicit sexual advances toward a fellow employee while on official assignment.

In its findings, the panel determined that the conduct amounted to a serious breach of Biomedics Diagnostics’ Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics Policy, describing it as “unprofessional, unethical, and inconsistent with the standards expected of all Biomedics staff, whether within or outside the workplace.”

Consequently, the company’s management approved the termination of Mr. Aderibigbe’s employment with immediate effect, effective August 12, 2025. He was instructed to return all company property, including his staff identification card, laptop, and official documents, to the Human Resources Department by the close of business on August 11, 2025.

The company further confirmed that all outstanding salaries and entitlements due up to the date of termination would be processed and credited to Mr. Aderibigbe’s designated account upon completion of the clearance process.

In line with regulatory and compliance obligations, Biomedics Diagnostics stated that a formal report of the incident would be forwarded to the relevant Nigerian authorities.

A company spokesperson reaffirmed Biomedics’ commitment to maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards, emphasizing that “the integrity and reputation of the organization remain a top priority. Biomedics operates a strict zero-tolerance policy toward workplace misconduct, harassment, and unprofessional behaviour.”

However, beyond the corporate disciplinary framework, this case has sparked broader discussions among human rights advocates and observers about the intersection of workplace ethics, sexuality, and social bias in Nigeria.

While the company has not issued any statement suggesting discrimination, some advocacy groups have expressed concern that cases involving alleged “sexual advances” in professional settings are often interpreted or handled through the lens of Nigeria’s hostile legal and cultural environment toward LGBTQ+ individuals.

One human rights advocate, speaking anonymously, noted:

“This situation goes beyond an ordinary case of employment termination. It highlights the precarious position of LGBTQ+ Nigerians who face disproportionate scrutiny, stigma, and punishment under a repressive social and legal framework. What is often framed as a professional misconduct issue may, in some cases, reflect deeper societal bias and criminalization of identity.”

Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2011 criminalizes same-sex relationships and expressions of same-sex affection, effectively driving LGBTQ+ persons into silence and fear, even within professional environments.

The incident underscores not only Biomedics Diagnostics’ internal enforcement of ethical conduct but also the complex realities faced by Nigerian employees navigating issues of gender, sexuality, and personal freedom in a country where such matters remain deeply controversial.