The family of a 16-year-old girl, Barakat Melojuekun who alleged that the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abdul-Balogun assaulted her sexually have announced that they would be withdrawing the case from the police.
They also asked Nigerians to “allow the matter to rest”.
Barakat and her father, Adesola Melojuekun, in separate short videos on Facebook, made the appeal, noting that they would not be pursuing the matter again with the police.
The teenager on Saturday was reported to have accused the Commissioner of Environment, Abdul-Balogun, of sexual harassment which allegedly occurred at Ita Otu, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.
The commissioner had refuted the allegations, saying they were “lies, blackmail and the handiwork of his local political opponents.”
However, the Ogun State Government had on Sunday suspended the Commissioner pending the outcome of the investigation into the matter, saying Abdul-Balogun should hand over to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.
READ ALSO: Gov. Abiodun suspends Commissioner accused of rape in Ogun (Video)
On Monday, Barakat in a video appreciated Nigerians for their support and concern but pleaded that the matter should be laid to rest.
She said, “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.
“And I want you to know that there are a few misconceptions and misunderstandings between me and the commissioner. I now want to use this opportunity to appeal to meaningful Nigerians to please allow this matter to rest. Thanks.”
Also, the father, Adesola, said, “I want to thank the media for their doggedness and aggressive support to make sure that justice is done. I also thank the international community and well-meaning Nigerians who showed their love and support towards this matter.
“I discovered that there were a few misconceptions and misunderstandings along the line between my daughter and the honourable commissioner. Having discovered this, I deemed it fit to call Nigerians and the international community that this matter should be allowed to be laid to rest.
“As the father of Barakat, I appeal to Nigerians and the international community and media too that I don’t have an interest in this matter again. I am withdrawing my case and I want them as well to support me the same way they did at the beginning of the matter. I am very grateful for the show of love and support.”
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