The Nigerian Army has officially discharged Private Ruth Ogunleye, who accused a senior officer, Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment. After a thorough investigation led by the Army, it was concluded that Abdulkareem was innocent of all charges, bringing a complex case to an end.

In January 2024, Private Ogunleye shared a series of allegations on her TikTok account, accusing Colonel Abdulkareem and two other senior officers—Colonel G.S. Ogor and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo—of making her life unbearable while she was serving in the Army. The most serious of these accusations were directed at Colonel Abdulkareem, whom she claimed made repeated sexual advances. According to Ogunleye, Abdulkareem retaliated after she rejected him, going so far as to forcibly inject her with medications and confine her to a psychiatric hospital for several months. She alleged that these actions were attempts to silence and punish her for not giving in to his advances.

The viral nature of the accusations brought the Nigerian Army under public scrutiny, prompting the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, to order a full investigation into the matter. The Army responded swiftly, committing to a transparent and thorough inquiry into the allegations made by Ogunleye.

He said, “Upon receipt of her initial complaint, which included allegations of s3xual 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 s3xual harassment as alleged by ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye. The findings were definitive and based on an objective evaluation of the available information.”

Over the next few months, the Nigerian Army conducted an exhaustive review of the claims. Investigators took testimonies, examined evidence, and cross-checked the facts provided by both parties. The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, addressed journalists in Abuja and explained that, based on the investigation’s findings, Colonel Abdulkareem was found innocent of all the offenses alleged by Private Ogunleye.

The Army concluded that there was no credible evidence to support the claims of sexual harassment, forced injections, or psychiatric confinement as retaliation for rejected advances. Instead, the investigation highlighted a different narrative surrounding Private Ogunleye’s time in service.

During the course of the investigation, the Army revealed that Private Ogunleye had been suffering from a medical condition for some time. In fact, she had been recommended for medical discharge as far back as 2022. The Army delayed her discharge, choosing instead to provide her with medical treatment and support out of sympathy.

He added, “While the Army was addressing the allegations of s3xual 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.”

According to Major General Onyema, the medical reports obtained during her treatment indicated that Ogunleye was “medically 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.”

The evaluation conducted at the National Hospital in Abuja suggested that her medical condition might have contributed to her perceptions and experiences while in service. As a result, the Army decided not to take any disciplinary action against her.

He added, “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.”

While Ogunleye was not entitled to a pension under the typical terms of discharge, the Army, recognizing her situation, awarded her a 50% monthly pension for life as part of her medical discharge package. This compassionate gesture ensured that Ogunleye would receive financial support despite the circumstances of her exit from military service.

He said, “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.”

Major General Nwachukwu emphasized that the Nigerian Army is committed to fairness and justice in all cases, including those involving sensitive issues like sexual harassment. He assured the public that the Army’s investigation was impartial and that the decision to exonerate Colonel Abdulkareem was based on concrete evidence and legal standards. He also expressed the Army’s continued support for Ogunleye as she transitions into civilian life, despite the circumstances surrounding her discharge.

Public reaction to the case has been mixed. Some have praised the Army for conducting a thorough investigation and treating both parties fairly. Others have expressed concern about the transparency of the process, pointing to the larger issue of sexual harassment in the military. For many, the case highlights the challenges that female soldiers can face when reporting harassment in hierarchical institutions like the military.

The conclusion of this case marks a significant chapter in the Nigerian Army’s ongoing effort to address issues of sexual harassment and abuse of power within its ranks. While Colonel Abdulkareem has been cleared of all charges, the Army’s decision to discharge Private Ogunleye with pension benefits highlights a complex situation where both legal and medical factors influenced the outcome.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and fairness in dealing with sensitive allegations. It also underscores the need for robust support systems for soldiers dealing with mental health or medical issues, ensuring that they are not only treated fairly but also given the care they need.