- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Army has retired a female soldier, Private Ruth Ogunleye, from service after accusing a senior officer, Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment.
This was disclosed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
In response to Ogunleye’s accusations which she disclosed via her TikTok page in January 2024, the Nigerian Army vowed to investigate the case.
However, the result of the investigation as presented by Onyema claimed that Abdulkareem did not commit the offences alleged by Ogunleye.
The Nigerian Army futher claimed that Ogunleye, who was now addressed as ‘Ex-Private’, was suffering from mental health.
“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.
“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.” Onyema said.