Ex-Soldier Challenges Nigerian Army on Harassment Allegations
Ruth Ogunleye, a former Nigerian soldier, is urging the Nigerian Army to publicly disclose the outcome of an internal investigation regarding her sexual harassment claims against senior military officers. The Nigerian Army discharged Ogunleye in June 2024 after she accused Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem of harassment. She is now demanding transparency from the military, urging them to make the full findings of the investigation public.
Social Media Outcry for Justice
Earlier in January, Ogunleye took to her TikTok platform to accuse Colonel Abdulkareem of repeatedly attempting to assault her during her service. She also implicated two other officers, Colonel G.S. Ogor and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo, in making her service unbearable. Ogunleye claims Abdulkareem had her forcibly removed from her home and kept in a psychiatric hospital after she rejected his advances, further alleging that he administered injections without her consent.
Nigerian Army Denies Allegations
On 24th September, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, addressed the media, asserting that a thorough investigation cleared Abdulkareem of any wrongdoing. Nwachukwu cited medical evaluations from the National Hospital in Abuja, claiming that doctors diagnosed Ogunleye with a condition related to mental illness, which influenced the Army’s decision.
Ogunleye Rejects Army’s Mental Illness Claim
In response, Ogunleye has rejected the Army’s claims, demanding that the full findings of the investigation be shared publicly. She also called on the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy, to reveal the truth about her discharge. According to Ogunleye, the minister had played a role in her resignation from the Army, urging her to submit a handwritten voluntary resignation letter, which later led to her discharge under medical grounds.
Call for Public Transparency
Ogunleye has specifically asked the Army to publish the investigation’s results on its social media platforms so that the public can know the full story. She voiced her frustration with the handling of her case, questioning the legitimacy of her medical discharge and the claims of mental illness. Ogunleye’s statements have sparked widespread discussions on social media, with many supporting her call for transparency.
Minister of Women Affairs Urged to Speak Out
In a direct plea to Minister Uju Kennedy, Ogunleye asked for her to clarify the events that led to her discharge. According to Ogunleye, the minister had intervened during her psychiatric evaluation, and later, the Chief of Army Staff converted her voluntary resignation to a medical discharge, citing potential benefits. Ogunleye remains adamant in her demand for answers, questioning why her case was framed around mental illness.
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