The Nigerian Army has officially discharged Private Ruth Ogunleye following her allegations of sexual harassment against Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, a senior officer. The decision comes after an investigation into her claims, which she publicly made via her TikTok account, @Ogunleyeruthsavage1, in January 2024. In her posts, Ogunleye alleged that Colonel Abdulkareem, along with Colonel G.S. Ogor and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo, had made her life unbearable through various forms of harassment.
Ogunleye accused Abdulkareem of repeated attempts to sexually assault her, administering injections against her will, forcibly removing her from her residence, and confining her to a psychiatric hospital for months after she rejected his advances. In response to these serious allegations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, ordered a comprehensive investigation.
During a press conference in Abuja, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, outlined the investigation’s findings. He stated that after a thorough review of the evidence, testimonies, and facts presented, it was concluded that Colonel Abdulkareem did not commit the alleged offences. Nwachukwu affirmed, “The investigation was conducted in accordance with established protocols, with every effort made to ensure a fair and impartial process.”
He emphasized the Army’s commitment to justice and transparency, noting that the findings were definitive and based on an objective evaluation of the available information.
Additionally, Nwachukwu revealed that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022. He explained that the Army had provided her with comprehensive medical treatment out of compassion before ultimately discharging her. However, as the investigation progressed, concerns about Ogunleye’s conduct both online and offline raised questions regarding her mental health and emotional stability.
Medical evaluations conducted at the National Hospital in Abuja confirmed that Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that rendered her medically vulnerable. Consequently, the Army decided not to pursue any disciplinary actions against her, choosing instead to prioritize her health and well-being.
Nwachukwu stated, “The Army, though fully capable of proceeding with disciplinary action for her acts of indiscipline and misconduct, opted to exercise compassion and leniency.” Ogunleye was subsequently discharged from service based on her medical condition.
Although Ogunleye did not meet the required service duration to qualify for a pension, the Army awarded her a 50 percent monthly pension for life due to her medical circumstances. Nwachukwu outlined that she also received her Terminal Leave Allowance, Terminal Packing Allowance, and her contributions to the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme and Benevolent Fund, all of which were deposited into her account on August 14, 2024. He noted that Ogunleye had rejected an offer for further medical treatment from both the National Hospital and the Nigerian Army.
This case has highlighted the complexities surrounding allegations of sexual harassment within military ranks, as well as the challenges faced by female soldiers in navigating such situations.
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