Female Soldier Discharged from Army After Accusing Senior Officer of Sexual Misconduct

The Nigerian Army has announced the discharge of Private Ruth Ogunleye, who accused a senior officer, Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment. The Army stated that Ogunleye’s discharge was on medical grounds, concluding an investigation into her allegations.

In a TikTok post earlier this year, Ogunleye claimed that Colonel Abdulkareem, along with Col. G.S. Ogor and Brig. Gen. I.B. Solebo, subjected her to harassment, including forced medical procedures and confinement in a psychiatric facility after she rejected sexual advances.

Following the allegations, the Ministry of Women Affairs intervened, prompting Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tarik Lagbaja to order an investigation. Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army’s spokesman, reported that after a comprehensive review of testimonies and evidence, it was determined that Colonel Abdulkareem did not commit the alleged offenses.

“The Nigerian Army took immediate action upon receipt of her complaint,” Nwachukwu stated, emphasizing that the investigation adhered to established protocols and aimed to ensure transparency. He noted that while addressing the allegations, concerns about Ogunleye’s mental health and conduct emerged.

Medical evaluations at the National Hospital in Abuja revealed that Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that rendered her medically vulnerable. Consequently, the Army opted to prioritize her health over potential disciplinary actions, acknowledging that she was not in a position to continue military service.

Despite not serving the required ten years for a full pension, Ogunleye will receive a 50% disability pension for life, along with other benefits, including her Terminal Leave Allowance and contributions to the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme. These payments were made on August 14, 2024, to her account.