Female Soldier Discharged Amid Sexual Harassment Probe, Officer Exonerated

In a recent sexual harassment investigation, the Nigerian Army discharged a female soldier while exonerating the accused officer. Read more about the details and outcomes of the probe.

The Nigerian Army has officially discharged Private Ruth Ogunleye, a female soldier, following her allegations of sexual harassment against Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, a senior officer.

In January 2024, Ogunleye took to her TikTok account, @Ogunleyeruthsavage1, to voice her claims, stating that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B Solebo had created an intolerable environment for her.

She specifically accused Abdulkareem of making multiple attempts to assault her, administering injections without her consent, forcibly evicting her from her home, and confining her to a psychiatric facility for several months after she rebuffed his sexual advances.

In response to these serious allegations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, mandated a comprehensive investigation into the situation.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, announced that after a thorough examination of the evidence, testimonies, and facts presented, it was concluded that Abdulkareem had not committed the offenses alleged by Ogunleye.

He remarked, “Upon receiving her initial complaint, which included claims of sexual harassment, the Nigerian Army acted promptly. The case was referred to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, who were assigned to conduct a detailed investigation into the validity of her allegations. This investigation adhered to established protocols, ensuring a fair and impartial process.

“It is essential to emphasize that the Nigerian Army, in its commitment to justice and transparency, undertook a meticulous review of the facts, testimonies, and evidence provided.”

The investigation determined that Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem was not guilty of the sexual harassment allegations made by former Private Ruth Ogunleye. The conclusions drawn were conclusive and founded on an impartial assessment of the evidence at hand.

Onyema further disclosed that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022; however, the Nigerian Army, demonstrating compassion, ensured she received the highest standard of medical care prior to her transition to civilian life.

He remarked, “While the Army was investigating the sexual harassment claims, additional concerns regarding Ruth Ogunleye’s behavior emerged. Her actions, both in digital and physical spaces, raised alarms about her declining mental health and emotional stability.”

Onyema indicated that medical evaluations conducted at the National Hospital in Abuja revealed that Ogunleye was experiencing a condition that rendered her medically vulnerable.

He stated, “As a result, the Nigerian Army referred ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye for a medical assessment at the National Hospital in Abuja, following preliminary evaluations by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps that indicated possible mental health issues.

“This course of action was taken to protect her well-being and to ensure that any measures implemented by the Nigerian Army were guided by a thorough understanding of her condition, as recommended by qualified professionals.

“The medical assessment confirmed that Ruth Ogunleye was indeed suffering from a condition that made her medically vulnerable.”

Onyema noted that, in light of her medical condition, the Army chose not to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Ogunleye.

Instead, she was discharged from service on medical grounds.

He added, “Given this context, the Army, while fully capable of pursuing disciplinary measures for her acts of indiscipline and misconduct, chose to act with compassion and leniency. Based on the medical report from the National Hospital and the guidance from the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, the decision was made to refrain from further action.”