Metro
We Won’t Stand Down on Investigating Ogun Commissioner Accused of Sexual Harassment – Police
The Ogun State Police Command has said it will proceed with the investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against the state Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, by a 16-year-old girl, Barakat Melojuekun.
The spokesman for the command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, had ordered that the case be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department at the Police Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Oyeyemi said though the victim’s family had officially withdrawn the complaint against the Abudu-Balogun, the command would still go ahead with its investigation.
He said, “The father of the victim has no locus standi to tell the police that he is no longer pressing charges against the commissioner, because he is not the complainant to us.
“He is not the person who was directly involved in the case. The victim is his daughter and even the daughter herself cannot withdraw the complaint, because she is an underage.
“Secondly, the case is an offence allegedly committed against the state, so they are no longer complainants; it is the Commissioner of Police versus the suspect.
“They (father and daughter) are just witnesses in the case. So, the police are going on with our investigation to confirm the authenticity of the claims.
“The CP has directed that the case should be transferred to the state CID for proper investigation; so, their position is immaterial.
“We cannot conclude that the case will be charged until when we confirm that the offence was actually committed; if the offence was actually committed, we will not hesitate to charge it and see the case to a logical conclusion.”
Meanwhile, Barakat has pleaded with Nigerians to allow the matter to rest.
The teenager made the appeal on Sunday a few hours after Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the suspension of the embattled commissioner.
Abudu-Balogun was suspended for allegedly harassing the secondary schoolgirl in his private residence.
Barakat, who had earlier detailed her experience in a viral video, appeared on another shot clip where, she stated that there were misconceptions about what transpired between her and the suspended commissioner.
In the 36-second video, she lauded Nigerians for their show of love in the case.
Similarly, her father, Adesola Melojuekun, said he was no longer interested in pursuing the allegation levelled against Abudu-Balogun by his daughter.
He said on Monday that there were a few misconceptions and misunderstanding between his daughter and the commissioner.
Adesola stated, “Having discovered this, I deem it fit to inform the public and the international community that this matter should be laid to rest.
The Punch
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
Ecobank Nigeria has concluded all preparations for the fifth edition of the highly anticipated Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, reaffirming its readiness to host local and international brands, partners, customers and visitors at the four-day fair scheduled to hold from June 11 to 14, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Bank has put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless, secure and memorable experience for exhibitors and attendees, further underscoring its commitment to promoting African creativity, entrepreneurship and intra-African trade.
Among the international exhibitors confirmed for this year’s edition are Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class from Sierra Leone, Drame Khadidatou from Senegal, Tampoori from Ghana, and Naylah Collection from the Republic of Benin. Their participation highlights the growing continental appeal of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience as a platform for cultural exchange, business collaboration and market access across Africa.
The event will also feature more than 100 exhibitors and vendors, including leading Nigerian brands such as Obida Design Associates, This Is Us, Imani Kids, Ashabi Fads, E25Dresses, Miné by Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Buss Fabrics Store, Aina Aladire and many others, showcasing the richness of African craftsmanship, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the Bank’s preparedness for the event, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said all arrangements have been successfully concluded to deliver a rewarding experience for exhibitors, partners, customers and visitors throughout the four-day fair.
According to her, attendees can look forward to a vibrant showcase of fashion, craftsmanship, art, music, culture and entrepreneurship, with participants drawn from Nigeria and several other African countries.
“We are fully prepared and excited to welcome guests from across Nigeria and the African continent to another edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience. From exhibition spaces and cultural showcases to networking opportunities and customer engagement activities, every necessary arrangement has been put in place to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for all attendees,” Odu said.
She added: “The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience continues to evolve as a unique platform that connects creatives, entrepreneurs and consumers from across Africa. Attendees can look forward to exceptional products, interactive sessions, entertainment, cultural exhibitions and valuable opportunities to build relationships, explore new markets and expand their businesses.”
Over the years, the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting indigenous textile production, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and showcasing the ingenuity of African creatives. The event has also played a significant role in expanding market access for businesses while preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the exhibition, participants will have opportunities to network, explore business partnerships, discover unique products and experience the diversity and vibrancy of African culture. The event is open to the public, and visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, fashion, enterprise and entertainment in a grand celebration of Africa’s creative economy.
