Sexual Harassment Investigation: Army Dismisses Female Soldier, Exonerates Officer

The Nigerian Army has discharged a female soldier, Private Ruth Ogunleye, after she accused a senior officer, Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment.

In January 2024, Ogunleye made the accusations on her TikTok page, @Ogunleyeruthsavage1, alleging that Colonel Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B Solebo had made her life unbearable.

She specifically accused Abdulkareem of repeatedly attempting to assault her, administering injections against her will, forcibly removing her from her residence, and confining her to a psychiatric hospital for several months after she rejected his advances.

In response to these allegations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that after a thorough review of the facts, testimonies, and evidence, it was determined that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem did not commit the offenses alleged by Private Ruth Ogunleye.

He said, “Upon receiving 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, tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the veracity of her claims. The investigation was carried out according to 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 offense 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 also revealed that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022, but the Nigerian Army, showing compassion, provided her with the best possible medical treatment before discharging her into civilian life.

He added, “While the Army was addressing the allegations of sexual harassment, further concerns regarding Ruth Ogunleye’s conduct came to light. Her behavior, both online and offline, raised questions about her deteriorating mental health and emotional stability.”

Onyema stated that medical reports from an evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja indicated that Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that rendered her medically vulnerable.

Onyema also stated that, due to her medical condition, the Army decided not to pursue disciplinary action against Ogunleye. Instead, she was discharged from service on medical grounds.

He explained, “In light of this, the Army, while fully capable of taking disciplinary action for her acts of indiscipline and misconduct, chose 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 pursued.

“Instead, the Army prioritized her health, recognizing that she was not in a position to continue military service. She was subsequently boarded and discharged.”

Onyema further noted that although Ogunleye was not entitled to a pension, she was granted a 50 percent monthly pension for life, along with other benefits.

He said, “Despite ex-Private Ruth not serving the requisite number of years to qualify for a pension (10 years), she has been discharged from the Nigerian Army with a 50 percent disability claim, meaning she will receive a 50 percent monthly pension for life. She has also received her Terminal Leave Allowance, Terminal Packing Allowance, and her contributions to the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme and Benevolent Fund.

“These payments were made on August 14, 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 offers of medical treatment from both the National Hospital and the Nigerian Army.”