Ogun State Governor has suspended the Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, from office for alleged sexual harassment of a teenage girl.
Ogun government said the suspension will last pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the scandalous allegation.
The Commissioner was alleged to have sexually harassed 16-year-old Barakat Melojuekun.
According to a statement issued in the state capital, Abeokuta on Sunday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the suspension of the commissioner is to enable him to cooperate fully with the independent investigation being carried out by the Police.
The statement read “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 assures the public that it will do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case.
Meanwhile, the suspended Commissioner has been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment.
