Ogun State Commissioner Accused Of Sexual Harassment Resigns

• Barakat had accused the commissioner of attempting to rape her in his residence in December 2020

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abdul-Balogun, who was accused of attempted rape by a teenager in January has secretly resigned his appointment from government.

Abdul-Balogun had also coerced the family of the victims not to testify against him in court, an action that has stopped police and the state’s department of public prosecutions from proceeding with the matter.

Recall that Eko Hot Blog reported how a 16-year old secondary school student, Barakat Melojuekun had accused the commissioner of attempting to rape her in his residence on December 31, 2020.

Read also: Police Arrest Man For Defiling 10-Year-Old Daughter

She alleged that the commissioner fondled her breasts while reciting incantations. She also said her screams forced him to jump off her and offer her ₦2,000 to keep mum.

The teenager said she reported the case to her parents who lodged a report at the police station.

As expected, the police on January 1, 2021, invited the commissioner to Abigi Police Station for interrogation.

At the time, Abdul-Balogun said that he was being set up by his political opponents.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

• Umahi Blames Insecurity On Failure Of Past Leaders
• Courts To Remain Closed As Judiciary Workers, FG Fail To Reach Agreement

The Ogun State Government announced the suspension of the commissioner pending investigation into the matter.

The state government in a statement signed by Tokunbo Talabi, the secretary to the Ogun State Government, directed Abdul-Balogun to vacate his office pending the conclusion of a police investigation into the matter.

However, according to Premium Times, Abdul-Balogun has since left the government.

“A close associate of the commissioner who did not want his name mentioned said the commissioner resigned from office months after the allegations in order to bury his shame and has since coerced the victim’s family,” Premium Times reported.