By Ade Jacobs
Barely a day after Ogun State Government suspended its Commissioner of Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, over alleged sexual harassment of a teenager, Barakat Melojuekun, the victim and her father have curiously expressed willingness to discontinue with the case with the commissioner, thus raising posers on whether it was under duress.
In a viral facebook post two days after she accused the commissioner of trying to have sexual knowledge of her, Barakat wrote, “there was a misconception about what happened between me and the commissioner of Environment, I am using this opportunity to call on well meaning Nigerians to allow this matter to rest.”
Her father, Adesola Bashir, had earlier shared a post on his facebook page where he also called on Nigerians to forget the issue, implying that the family has settled the issue with the commissioner.
Bashir said: “I am the biological father of Barakat. I want to thank the media for their doggedness and aggressive support to make sure that justice prevails. I want to thank the international community, Nigerians and indigene of the state that showed interest in the matter, through their love and encouragement.
“There was misconception and misunderstanding between my daughter and the honourable commissioner. Having discovered this, I deemed it fit to come to the public to inform Nigerians and the international community that this matter should be allowed to be laid to rest.”
While suspending the commissioner on Sunday, the state government said the action was taken to allow a thorough investigation on the issue.
A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, said the suspension of Abudu-Balogun was to allow for thorough investigation of the matter.
“While 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 of the commissioner is a further demonstration of the commitment of Abiodun administration to fairness, equity, justice and the rule of law, no matter who is involved,” the state government said.
In addition, the state government assured the public that everything is being done to ensure that justice was served in this case, adding that the suspended commissioner had been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment.
The 16-year-old girl, Barakat Melojuekun, had, in a Facebook video post, alleged that the commissioner connived with her uncle and a teacher from another secondary school to lure her to his house, where he sexually harassed her by touching her breasts.
Mayowa, an indigene of Ogun Waterside Local Government, narrated how the commissioner used one of his aides, one Austin, to lure her into his apartment, with a view to have sexual intercourse with her on December 31, 2020.
Her testimony: “When I was through with my NIN registration, I went home straight. Mr Austin called me at night to ask why I didn’t come to the park and I said I was in a hurry because I had something to do at home.
“On December 31, 2020, Mr Lasisi Mayor came to meet my daddy that someone needs a computer operator. He asked if I can operate a computer, I said yes and he told me to change my clothes that we were going to meet someone who needs a computer operator. He now took me to Hon. Abudu-Balogun’s house in Ita Otu.
“Getting there, they said I should sit in the car. Later, a girl known as Mariam Eniola Oyenuga came to pick me up in the living room. Mr Austin now came in to ask why I didn’t pick his call the other day. He later took me to a room inside Abudu-Balogun’s house,” Mayowa stated.
She claimed that the Commissioner came into the room, locked the door and stated touching her inappropriately against her will, until she started shouting for help, before she was released.