The Nigerian Army has officially announced that female soldier, Private Ruth Ogunleye, has been discharged from service after allegedly accusing senior officer, Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment.
Earlier In January 2024, Ms. Ogunleye made the accusations via her TikTok page, @Ogunleyeruthsavage1, where she allegedly stated that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B Solebo had made her life unbearable. She specifically accused Abdulkareem of making repeated attempts to assault her, administering injections on her against her will, forcibly removing her from her residence, and confining her to a psychiatric hospital for several months after she rejected his sexual advances.
As a result of the allegations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, ordered a thorough investigation be done on the matter. The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, explained that after an exhaustive review of the facts, testimonies and evidence presented, it was determined that Abdulkareem did not commit the offences alleged by Ogunleye.
Mr. Onyema Nwachukwu 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.’’
He also reiterated that Nigerian Army embodies the responsibility of Justice and transparency.
“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," Onyema said.
Onyema has also revealed that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022, but the Nigerian Army, showing sympathy, provided her with the best possible medical treatment before discharging her into civilian life.
He also tagged Ogunleye’s conduct to her deteriorating mental health.
“While the Army was addressing the allegations of sexual harassment, further concerns regarding Ruth Ogunleye’s conduct came to light. Her behaviour, both online and offline, raised questions about her deteriorating mental health and emotional stability.”
Onyema further gave a briefing of the medical reports, following an evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja indicated that Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that rendered her medically vulnerable.
“Consequently, the Nigerian Army referred ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye for medical evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja, following earlier assessments by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps that suggested potential mental health concerns.
“The medical evaluation confirmed that Ruth Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that made her medically vulnerable.”
According to Onyema, the Army did not pursue disciplinary action against Ogunleye based on her medical condition, Instead, the Army discharged her from service on the basis of her medical condition.
Finally, Onyema stated that although Ogunleye was not entitled to a pension, she was discharged with a 50 per cent monthly pension for life, among other benefits.
“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,” he said.
Read more
