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By Raymond Osho
ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun has denied allegation leveled against him by a minor over alleged sexual harassment.
The Commissioner denied the allegation in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday, January 2, 21.
The 16-year-old girl had accused the Commissioner in a viral video circulating on social media that he allegedly made attempt to sexually harassed her.
Hon. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun explained that he never made any attempt to sexually harassed the girl.
His words, “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 youth 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 House of Representatives, years back which has been moribund.
”But I am about to rehabilitate the ICT Centre in order to empower more youths in our local government.
“I met her at my sitting room for few minutes where many of my loyalists are, people that came to visit me for the New Year. I chatted with the lady for 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 teleguided 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.
“I therefore plead with my fans and loyalists to be calm and not engage anyone on the said matter as it is been handled by the police and my legal team.”
When contacted, the Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi said the case was presently being investigated by the Area Commander, Ogbere, adding that the outcome would be made public.
