Banker Could Face Jail for Making 'Completely False' Sexual Harassment Claim

A City banker is facing legal action for allegedly fabricating a sexual harassment claim against a female colleague.

Damilare Ajao, formerly employed by German financial institution Commerzbank in London, accused a female manager—identified in court only as "Q"—of inappropriate conduct, including commenting on his string vest beneath his shirt and attempting to touch his Gucci belt.

Mr Ajao, who worked at the bank's Gresham Street offices from May to November 2019, was dismissed later that year. He subsequently brought a sexual harassment and assault claim before an employment tribunal. However, Tribunal Judge Anthony Snelson dismissed the case, ruling that the allegations were "false and in large part made up."

Commerzbank has now launched High Court proceedings against Mr Ajao, accusing him of contempt of court for making false statements. If found guilty, he could face a prison sentence of up to two years.

Concluding the bank's case before Mr Justice Martin Spencer, barrister Louis Browne KC described Mr Ajao's actions as "rather wicked," asserting that he had "manufactured a wholly bogus claim of sexual assault and harassment against 'Q'—a claim he knew to be false."

The High Court heard that Mr Ajao had alleged "Q" acted with a sexual motive and became "annoyed" when he rejected her supposed advances. Judge Snelson rejected these claims in April 2024, stating, "The acts and events on which he relies did not happen."

In his latest defence, Mr Ajao argued that his statements reflected his "perception" of events rather than deliberate dishonesty. Mr Browne countered that at the tribunal, Mr Ajao had presented his accusations as fact, not perception, and said "Q" had since developed a serious psychiatric illness as a result of the false claims.

Representing Mr Ajao, barrister Sasha Wass KC maintained that there was "foundation in evidence" for her client's account.

The hearing continues.

PM Law