Nigeria army has exonerated top officers of any misconduct after they were accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by Private Ruth Ogunleye.
She had made the allegations in TikTok video post in January 2024 accusing Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment and Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B Solebo of intimidation.
Following the public concern generated by the controversy, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, initiated an investigation. Eight months after the army was ready with answers.
“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. The investigation was conducted in accordance with established protocols, with every effort made to ensure a fair and impartial process,” said the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu in news conference Tuesday in Abuja.
“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 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.
“While the Army was addressing the allegations of sexual harassment, further concerns regarding Ruth Ogunleye’s conduct came to light. Her behaviour, both online and offline, raised questions about her deteriorating mental health and emotional stability.
“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.
“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 with pension.”
