Ogun Commissioner suspended for alleged sexual harassment

Ogun State Government has suspended the honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, from office pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into an allegation of sexual harassment levelled against him by a 16-year-old Barakat Mayowa Melojuekun.

Ina statement issued on Sunday by the Secretary to the state government, Tokunbo Talabi, said the suspension became imperative so as to enable the commissioner to cooperate fully with the independent investigation being carried out by the police.

The statement said: “Whilst taking cognizance of the principle of a suspect being presumed innocent until proven guilty and the public statement issued by Hon. 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 Prince Dapo Abiodun Administration to fairness, equity, justice and the rule of law, no matter who is involved.”

The government assured the public that it would do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case.

The suspended commissioner had been directed to hand over to the permanent secretary in the ministry.