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OGUN GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS COMMISSIONER ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTING TO RAPE 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Ogun State Government has suspended the Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, from office over alleged sexual harassment of a 16-year-old girl, Barakat Mayowa Melojuekun.


The State Government said that the suspension from office would last pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the allegation.


The suspension comes a few days after the teenager reported how the commissioner allegedly lured her into his house and attempted to rape her.


Mayowa stated that the sexual harassment occurred on Thursday, December 31, in the commissioner's apartment. 


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The Senior Secondary School 3 student said the commissioner fondled her breasts and muttered incantations while she screamed and struggled to free herself from his grip, adding that he allegedly offered her N2,000 to shut her up.


The police on January 1 invited the commissioner for interrogation and have continued to investigate the matter.


In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, in Abeokuta on Sunday, December 3, the commissioner's suspension would enable him to cooperate fully with the independent investigation being carried out by the police.


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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 Prince Dapo Abiodun Administration's commitment 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."


In the meantime, the suspended Commissioner has been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment."

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