Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State has been suspended for an alleged sexual harassment of a minor.
Abudu-Balogun is reported to have sexually harassed 16-year-old Barakat Mayowa Melojuekun.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi made the announcement today, 3rd January.
According to him, the Commissioner is temporality relieved of his duty pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the allegation.
Barakat, an SS3 student accused the Commissioner of trying to rape her. She said that she met the Commissioner on Tuesday last week but the incident occurred on New Years eve.
She added that at the park in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, on her way to the office of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Commissioner drove up and offered her a ride but she declined.
The young lady said that she started receiving calls from an unknown person who introduced himself as an aide to the Commissioner.
Two days later, she was allegedly taken to Abudu-Balogun’s residence by her uncle who she supposed was oblivious of the commissioner’s motive.
On arrival at the residence, her uncle went on to work on a computer in the premises while she was lured into the government official’s bedroom.
Barakat further recounts the alleged indecent encounter with the Commissioner:
The Secretary to the State Government added that suspending Abudu-Balogun would enable him fully cooperate with the independent investigation being carried out by the police.
In his words, “Whilst taking cognisance of the principle of a suspect being presumed innocent until proven guilty and the public statement by Honourable Abudu-Balogun denying the allegation, as a government with zero tolerance for gender-based violence and indeed any criminality, the suspension is a further demonstration of the commitment of Dapo Abiodun Administration to fairness, equity, justice and the rule of law, no matter who is involved.
Talabi assured Ogun residents that the state government would do everything possible to ensure that justice was served in the case.
He said that the suspended commissioner has been directed to hand over to the permanent secretary at the ministry.
PRESS STATEMENT by Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, Commissioner for Environment:
“My attention has been drawn to a purported video circulating on social media of a girl alleging that I attempted to sexually harrass her.
“Let it be noted that in my entire life and political career, I have assisted many youth to secure jobs, some are working with Representatives years back which has been moribund but I am about to rehabilitate in order to empower more youths in our local government.
“Some are working with me in my different businesses. On this said day, the girl was brought to my house by one of my loyalists who is her Uncle, to assist her get a job as a Computer Operator at the ICT Centre I facilitated while I was serving as a member of House of Representatives years back which has been moribund but I am about to rehabilitate in order to empower more youths in our local government.
“I met her at my sitting room for few minutes where many of my loyalists are, people that came to visit me for the New Year. I chatted with the lady for few minutes and as part of my usual gesture, I gave her some amount of money for her transportation.
“A day after, I was informed by some people that I have been alleged to have attempted to sexually harrass the girl and I should invite the family for a meeting so as settle the matter amicably.
“It was after my refusal to yield to their threats that they went ahead to make a teleguided video leading the lady on what to say to implicate me. This is purely a political blackmail by my adversaries.
Let me state emphatically that I never attempted to sexually harrass anyone. I therefore plead with my fans and loyalists to be calm and not engage anyone on the said matter as it is been handled by the Police and my legal team.
Thank you all. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun Commissioner for Environment, Ogun State
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Great article.