The Ogun State government has suspended the Commissioner for Environment, ABIODUN ABUDU-BALOGUN, for allegedly attempting to rape a 16-year-old secondary school student of the state.

He was suspended from office over an allegation of sexual harassment of a 16-year-old girl identified as BARAKAT MAYOWA MELOJUEKUN.

The police on January 1 invited the commissioner for interrogation and have continued to investigate the matter.

In its statement, the state government assured the public that it will do everything to ensure that justice is served in the matter.

“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.

“In the meantime, the suspended Commissioner has been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment,” the statement read.