Teenager who accused Ogun commissioner of sexual harassment recants

 

Barakat Melojuekun, the teenager who accused Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, of sexual harassment, has withdrawn the allegation.

Barakat, in a new video in which she also appealed to Nigerians to allow the matter rest, said “there were few misconceptions and misunderstandings between me and the commissioner.”

Her father, Melojuekun Adesola Mansur, also spoke in the same manner in a video, stating: “I understand there are some misconceptions and misunderstandings along the line between my daughter and the honourable commissioner.”

Neither Barakat nor her father was forthcoming with what the “misconceptions and misunderstandings” were.

In a video that went viral, 16-year-old Barakat had alleged that the commissioner lured her into his house and attempted to rape her.

She said her screaming made the commissioner stop, after which he offered her N2,000.

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, responded to the allegation, following public outcry for justice for the teenager, by suspending the commissioner from office.

READ: Buhari says Nigeria needs to do more to check sexual harassment against women

However, in a video, Melojuekun Adesola Mansur, a man who identified himself as Barakat’s father, said the family would love to lay the matter to rest.

Mansur said: “I want to thank the media for their doggedness and aggressive support to make sure that justice prevails.

“I am also using this opportunity to thank the international community, well-meaning Nigerians and Ogun State indigenes that showed their love in this matter.

“However, I understand there are some misconceptions and misunderstandings along the line between my daughter and the honourable commissioner.

“Having discovered this, I deem it fit to come to the public and inform Nigerians and the international community that this matter should be allowed to be laid to rest.

“As a father to Barakat, I am using this opportunity as well to appeal to Nigerians and the international community and the media that I don’t have an interest in this matter again.

“I am withdrawing my case and I want them to support me the same way they did at the beginning of this matter.”