TheCable

The Ogun state government has suspended Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, its commissioner for environment, over an allegation that he sexually harassed an underage girl.

The underage girl made the allegation in a video that has gone viral on the internet.

The 16-year-old girl is said to be a student of Victory Model College in Ogun waterside local government area of the state.

Abudu-Balogun denied the allegation.

In a statement on Sunday, Tokunbo Talabi, secretary to the state government (SSG), said the suspension would ensure that there is fairness in the investigation.

Talabi said the administration of Dapo Abiodun, Ogun governor, has zero tolerance for gender-based violence.

“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.

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