The Ogun State Government has suspended the Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun from office over alleged sexual harassment of  a 16-year-old girl, Barakat Melojuekun.

It said the suspension would last pending the conclusion of the police’s investigation into the allegation.

The state government said it believed in fair trial and a suspect is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

The suspension was contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi.

It added that the suspension of the commissioner would enable him to cooperate fully with the independent investigation being carried out by the Police.

The statement read in part, “whilst taking cognisance 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.

“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.”