Nigerian Army Clears Colonel Of S£xual Harassment Allegations, Claims Female Soldier Has ‘Mental Health Concerns’
Ogunleye said that Colonel Abdulkareem made repeated sexual advances towards her, administered injections without her consent, forcibly evicted her from her residence, and confined her to a psychiatric facility for several months after she rejected his advances.
The Nigerian Army has discharged Private Ruth Ogunleye following her allegations of sexual harassment against Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, a senior officer in the military.
The decision comes after Ogunleye publicly accused Abdulkareem, along with Colonel G.S. Ogor and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo, of creating a hostile environment for her through various forms of intimidation.
In a series of posts on her TikTok account, @Ogunleyeruthsavage1, Ogunleye said that Colonel Abdulkareem made repeated sexual advances towards her, administered injections without her consent, forcibly evicted her from her residence, and confined her to a psychiatric facility for several months after she rejected his advances.
In response to the serious allegations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, ordered a comprehensive investigation.
Nigerian Army Fails To Arrest Senior Officers Accused Of Sexual Harassment, Claims Detained Victim And Female Soldier, Ruth Ogunleye, Is Undergoing Rehab
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, addressed the media in Abuja, confirming that after a thorough review of testimonies and evidence, the army found no grounds to substantiate Ogunleye’s claims against Colonel Abdulkareem.
According to Nwachukwu, “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.”
He noted that 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.
Nwachukwu explained that 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.
He said 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.
According to Nwachukwu, “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.
“This decision was made to safeguard her well-being and ensure that any actions taken by the Nigerian Army were informed by a comprehensive understanding of her condition, as advised by trained professionals.
“The medical evaluation confirmed that Ruth Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that made her medically vulnerable.”
He said that, based on her medical condition, the Army had decided not to pursue disciplinary action against Ogunleye.
Instead, she was discharged from service on medical grounds.
“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,” he stated.
