The Nigerian Army has discharged Private Ruth Ogunleye, a female soldier who had accused a senior officer of sexual harassment, following an investigation that found no evidence to support her claims.
The accusations, which were made public in January 2024 through her TikTok account, triggered a formal inquiry ordered by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Ogunleye alleged that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, along with Colonel G.S Ogor and Brigadier General I.B Solebo, had subjected her to various forms of harassment, making her life difficult. She specifically accused Abdulkareem of making several attempts to sexually harass her.
Ogunleye also claimed that Abdulkareem administered injections against her will, forced her out of her residence, and confined her in a psychiatric hospital for months after she rejected his advances.
Responding to these accusations, the Nigerian Army began an investigation led by the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police.
According to Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the investigation was thorough and conducted in a fair and impartial manner.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Nwachukwu explained that after a comprehensive review of the evidence and testimonies, it was concluded that Colonel Abdulkareem did not commit any of the offences alleged by Ogunleye. He emphasized that the Army is committed to ensuring justice and transparency in such cases.
He said, “Upon receipt of her initial complaint, which included allegations of sexual harassment, the Nigerian Army took immediate action. The matter was referred to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, who were tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the veracity of her claims. The investigation was conducted in accordance with established protocols, with every effort made to ensure a fair and impartial process.
“It is crucial to assert that the Nigerian Army, in its bid to ensure justice and transparency, conducted an exhaustive review of the facts, testimonies, and evidence presented.
“The investigation concluded that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem did not commit the offence of sexual harassment as alleged by ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye. The findings were definitive and based on an objective evaluation of the available information.”
Additionally, it was revealed that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds as far back as 2022. The Army, however, extended her service and provided her with medical treatment.
Nwachukwu noted that her conduct, both online and offline, raised concerns about her mental and emotional health. Medical evaluations from the National Hospital in Abuja confirmed that Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that made her “medically vulnerable.”
Despite Ogunleye’s allegations, the Army chose not to pursue disciplinary actions against her. Instead, she was discharged from service based on her medical condition, with the Army prioritizing her health over disciplinary measures.
He added, “In light of this, the Army, though fully capable of proceeding with disciplinary action for her acts of indiscipline and misconduct, opted to exercise compassion and leniency. Based on the medical report from the National Hospital and advice from the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, the decision was made to shelve any disciplinary procedures that could have been taken against her.
“Instead, the Army prioritised her health, understanding that she was in no position to continue with military service. She was subsequently boarded and discharged from service.”
“Despite ex-Private Ruth not serving the requisite number of years to qualify for a pension (10 years), she has nonetheless been discharged from the Nigerian Army with a 50 per cent disability claim, meaning she will receive a 50 per cent monthly pension for life. She has also been paid her Terminal Leave Allowance and Terminal Packing Allowance, as well as her contributions to the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme and Benevolent Fund.
“These payments were made on 14 August 2024 into her FCMB account. Her Security Debarment Allowance for the period she served (5 years and 54 days) has also been paid. The decision to discharge her was made after she rejected an offer of medical treatment, either from the National Hospital or the Nigerian Army.”
