Ogun Suspends Commissioner Accused Of Sexual Harassment

Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, commissioner for environment in Ogun state, has been suspended by the state government over alleged sexual harassment of an underage girl.

Ekohotblog reports that Audu-Balogun suspension was announced on Sunday in a statement by Tokunbo Talabi, secretary to the state government (SSG).

A 16-year-old girl said to be a student of Victory Model College in Ogun waterside local government area of the state levelled the allegation against the commission in a now viral video

Abudu-Balogun denied the allegation.

In the statement on Sunday statement, Talabi said the state government does not condone any form of gender based violence.

He said the suspension would ensure that there is fairness in the investigation.

He disclosed that the commissioner had been ordered to hand over to the permanent secretary of the ministry.

“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,” he said.

“The government assures the public that it will do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case.

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“In the meantime, the suspended commissioner has been directed to hand over to the permanent secretary, ministry of environment.”