The Nigerian Army has dismissed Private Ruth Ogunleye after she accused a senior officer, Colonel I.B Abdulkareem of sexual harassment.
In January 2024, Ogunleye took to TikTok under the handle @Ogunleyeruthsavage1, alleging that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, alongside Colonel G.S Ogor and Brigadier General I.B Solebo, had subjected her to relentless abuse.
She claimed that Abdulkareem repeatedly attempted to assault her, forcibly injected her, evicted her from her quarters, and detained her in a psychiatric facility for months after she rejected his sexual advances.
Following these serious allegations, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, ordered a full investigation.
During a press briefing in Abuja on the 24th of September, 2024, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army’s spokesperson, revealed that after thoroughly reviewing the evidence, it was concluded that Abdulkareem had not committed the acts Ogunleye accused him of.
He said, “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.”
Onyema further disclosed that Ogunleye had been slated for a medical discharge since 2022. However, out of compassion, the Nigerian Army ensured she received top-tier medical care before transitioning her back into civilian life.
“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.”
Onyema revealed that medical assessments conducted at the National Hospital in Abuja confirmed Ogunleye’s diagnosis with a condition that compromised her medical well-being, leaving her vulnerable.
He said, “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 stated that, due to Ogunleye’s medical condition, the Army opted not to take disciplinary measures against her. Instead, she was medically discharged from service.
“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,” he added.
Onyema also mentioned that despite Ogunleye not qualifying for a pension, she was granted a lifelong monthly pension at 50 percent, along with other benefits.
“Despite ex-Private Ruth not serving the requisite number of years to qualify for a pension (10 years), she has nonetheless been discharged from the Nigerian Army with a 50 per cent disability claim, meaning she will receive a 50 per cent monthly pension for life. She has also been paid her Terminal Leave Allowance and Terminal Packing Allowance, as well as her contributions to the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme and Benevolent Fund.
“These payments were made on 14 August 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 an offer of medical treatment, either from the National Hospital or the Nigerian Army,” he said.