Ogun State Government has suspended the Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, from office for alleged sexual harassment of a 15-year-old girl, Barakat Melojuekun.
The government in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday, said the suspension will last pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the allegation. Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, who signed the statement said the suspension of the commissioner is to enable him to cooperate fully with the independent investigation being carried out by the Police.
The statement reads: “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.