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Ogun Commissioner under probe for sexual harassment allegations
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, Hon. Abiodun Abudu -Balogun has been placed under investigation over allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him.
A viral video of a girl who identified herself as Melojuekun Barakat Mayowa, had surfaced on social media, with the girl alleging that Hon. Abiodun Abudu – Balogun had sexually harassed her when she visited him looking for employment.
She claimed the commissioner also fondled her breasts.
In reaction to the video, the Ogun State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said investigation has commenced in respect of it.
She added that the findings would he made known to the public at the appropriate time.
The Commissioner, Abudu-Balogun, has however described the allegations as untrue, a political blackmail planned by his political adversaries.
In a statement yesterday, he said “My attention has been drawn to a purported video circulating on social media of a girl alleging that I attempted to sexually harass her. Let it be noted that in my entire life and political career, I have assisted many youths to secure jobs; some are working with me in my different businesses.
“On this said day, the girl was brought to my house by one of my loyalists who is her uncle, to assist her get a job as a Computer Operator at the ICT Centre I facilitated while I was serving as a member of the House of Representatives years back which has been moribund but I am about to rehabilitate in order to empower more youths in our local government.
“I met her at my sitting room for a few minutes where many of my loyalists are, people that came to visit me for the New Year. I chatted with the lady for a few minutes and as part of my usual gesture, I gave her some amount of money for her transportation.
“A day after, I was informed by some people that I have been alleged to have attempted to sexually harass the girl and I should invite the family for a meeting so as to settle the matter amicably. It was after my refusal to yield to their threats that they went ahead to make a tele-guided video leading the lady on what to say to implicate me. This is purely a political blackmail by my adversaries.
“Let me state emphatically that I never attempted to sexually harass anyone,” he said.
The Commissioner pleaded with his supporters and associates to remain calm and not engage anyone on the issue, adding that said the matter is already being treated by the Police and his legal team.
