The Government of Ogun State has suspended Abudu-Balogun Abiodun, the Commissioner for Environment, over an allegation of sexual harassment.
HumAngle reported that Abiodun was accused of sexually harassing 16-year-old Barakat Melojuekun in his residence on December 31.
Abiodun, a former member of the House of Representatives, allegedly connived with Barakat’s uncle to lure her to his house in the Ogun Waterside Local Government area of the state.
In a statement issued by the secretary to the state government,
Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the Government of Ogun State said in a statement on Sunday that the embattled commissioner has been suspended from office pending the conclusion of the investigation by the police.
Talabi explained that the suspension was a demonstration of “fairness, equity, justice and the rule of law” by the state governor, Dapo Abiodun
“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,” Talabi said.
“The government assures the public that it will do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case. In the meantime, the suspended Commissioner has been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment,” the statement concluded.
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