Introduction
Former London Ward 6 councillor Mariam Hamou, once a prominent political figure and community advocate, is now at the centre of a legal controversy that has unfolded over several months. New details reveal that Hamou had been formally prohibited from making contact with London Mayor Josh Morgan and his family months before she was charged with extortion and sending harassing communications. The revelation adds further dimension to a case that has raised questions about professional boundaries, political relationships, and the protocols in place to protect public officials.
Hamou, 50, was charged on November 28, 2025, following an investigation launched earlier in the fall by the St. Thomas Police Service. While police did not identify the complainant at the time, documentation predating the investigation strongly suggests Mayor Morgan had previously raised concerns regarding Hamou’s conduct. The case has since drawn significant public attention due to Hamou’s history as a councillor and community leader, as well as the sensitive nature of the allegations.
This article examines the timeline of events, the circumstances surrounding the communication ban, Hamou’s political background, and the broader implications for municipal governance.
Extortion and Harassment Charges Filed After September Investigation
Police Take Former Councillor Into Custody
On Thursday, November 28, officers with the St. Thomas Police Service arrested Hamou at their headquarters. She was subsequently charged with extortion and harassing communications, serious offences that carry significant legal consequences if proven. After a brief period in custody, Hamou was released on conditions and provided with a future court date in London.
The charges emerged from an investigation initiated on September 26, though officials did not immediately disclose the name of the complainant, citing confidentiality restrictions common in sensitive cases involving harassment or threats.
Sensitive Nature of Complaint Remains Officially Undisclosed
While the complainant’s identity was formally withheld by police, a cease-and-desist letter delivered to Hamou in June provides strong context for who may have been involved. The letter, which surfaced through sources familiar with the matter, shows that Mayor Josh Morgan had previously raised concerns about communications he had allegedly received from Hamou. These communications reportedly included text messages, voicemails, and even a physical note containing allegations and what were described as threatening remarks.
Cease-and-Desist Letter Warned Hamou Months Earlier
Mayor Expressed Concerns Over “Numerous Communications”
The cease-and-desist letter—authored on behalf of the mayor—states that Morgan had been subjected to repeated contact from Hamou at a municipal workplace. The letter references “numerous communications you have sent to a City of London workplace including both a physical note, many text messages and voicemails containing threats and other allegations about the mayor.”
The correspondence further indicates that the tone and content of Hamou’s messages were alarming enough to prompt an official legal response. Although the full details of the alleged threats are not disclosed, the inclusion of both personal and professional contact points suggests the communications extended beyond standard political or administrative discourse.
Formal Ban Included Mayor’s Family Members
In clear terms, the letter ordered Hamou to refrain from any form of direct communication with Mayor Morgan or members of his family. This included his partner, ex-wife, and mother—an unusually broad scope for such a directive, underscoring the perceived seriousness of the situation.
The letter states:
“You are hereby ordered not to communicate directly with the mayor and his family (including but not limited to his partner, ex-wife and mother) unless necessary for legitimate city business.”
The closing paragraphs warned that any continuation or escalation of the behaviour would prompt further legal action, establishing a firm boundary that was clearly intended to protect the mayor and his family from unwanted or distressing contact.
Political Background: A Brief but Notable Tenure at City Hall
Historic Appointment in 2021
Hamou first entered the political landscape at London’s City Hall in 2021, when she was appointed by council to fill the vacant Ward 6 seat after the resignation of Councillor Phil Squire. Her appointment was widely noted for several reasons, including her status as the first Muslim woman to serve on London City Council—a milestone celebrated by many in the community.
At the time, Hamou brought with her decades of residency in Ward 6 and a résumé of community involvement. She had previously served on the Library Board, the Regional HIV/AIDS Committee, and held a board position with the London Muslim Mosque. Her background suggested a strong commitment to civic engagement and social issues.
Election Defeat in 2022
Despite the positive reception to her appointment, Hamou’s tenure was short-lived. She ran for re-election during the October 2022 municipal election but was defeated. Although election losses are common in municipal politics, her exit marked the end of her direct involvement in council decision-making.
Short-Lived Role on Council Resourcing Review Task Force
Earlier in 2025, Hamou was appointed to the Council Resourcing Review Task Force, a committee tasked with evaluating the support systems and resources available to councillors. However, she resigned after only a couple of months. No detailed explanation for her departure was publicly provided at the time.
This brief involvement suggests that while Hamou maintained an interest in municipal governance after leaving office, her role within formal city structures diminished significantly.
Events Leading Up to Criminal Investigation
June Letter Suggests Early Warning Signs
The timeline indicates that concerns about Hamou’s conduct had arisen well before the formal investigation began in September. The cease-and-desist letter from June illustrates that Mayor Morgan felt compelled to address the issue months in advance, highlighting what he perceived to be a pattern of inappropriate communications.
Although the content of the messages was not fully disclosed, their alleged nature—threats and personal allegations—was sufficient to trigger legal measures. Such documentation is likely to play a role in the criminal case against Hamou, as it establishes a history of disputed communications and formal warnings.
Possible Deterioration of Political Relationship
Hamou and Morgan had once been considered political allies and colleagues during her time on council. The shift from professional association to legal conflict adds a complicated layer to the unfolding narrative, raising questions about the nature of their working relationship and what may have prompted the alleged communications.
However, without public statements from either party detailing the interpersonal dynamics, any speculation remains limited to the documented facts.
Legal Process Ahead
Court Appearance Scheduled in London
After her arrest and release on conditions, Hamou is expected to appear before a London court at a future date. The charges—extortion and harassing communications—are serious and may carry substantial penalties if she is found guilty. At this stage, the allegations remain unproven, and Hamou is legally presumed innocent.
Potential Implications for City Hall
The case may prompt further examination of how municipal workplaces handle internal disputes, harassment claims, and strained relationships involving elected officials or former colleagues. It also highlights the legal avenues available to public officials who believe they are being subjected to harmful communication.
Conclusion
The charges laid against former councillor Mariam Hamou mark a significant and complex chapter in the political landscape of London, Ontario. With a history of community involvement, public service, and trailblazing accomplishments, Hamou’s abrupt shift into legal turmoil presents a stark contrast to her earlier public profile.
As the case proceeds through the courts, many questions remain unanswered—particularly regarding the motivations behind the alleged communications and the full timeline of events leading up to the charges. What is clear, however, is that the situation has already had profound implications for those involved, including Mayor Josh Morgan and his family.
The months-long progression from a cease-and-desist letter to formal criminal charges underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the legal framework in place to address them. The outcome of this case will likely inform future discussions about boundaries, conduct, and protections within municipal government.
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