Two groups have called on the Ogun State government and the police to ensure that the alleged attempted rape case against the state
Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abdul-Balogun, is not swept under the carpet.
The groups, Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN) and the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) insisted that thorough investigation of the case despite the decision of the family of 16-year-old Barakat Melojuekun to drop charges against the suspended commissioner.
They made their position known in separate statements on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
It would be recalled that the commissioner was accused of attempting to rape a secondary school student in his apartment on December 31, 2020.
She escaped after screaming and later narrated her encounter with Mr Abdul-Balogun to the press.
The state police command later invited the commissioner for interrogation and investigation is still ongoing into the case.
In reaction to the allegations against its official, the Ogun State Government suspended Mr Abdul-Balogun.
After alleged pressure on her family not to push the matter further, Melojuekun in a short video last week said Nigerians should allow the matter to be laid to rest. She, however, did not retract the allegations.
“You can recall that I was the young lady in the viral video about sexual harassment by the Commissioner for the Environment in Ogun State. I am using this opportunity to thank all meaningful Nigerians that showed their support and love towards this matter.”
“I want you to know that there are a few misconceptions and misunderstandings between I and the commissioner. I now want to use this opportunity to appeal to meaningful Nigerians to please allow this matter to rest. Thanks”, she said then.
