Private Ruth Ogunleye, a female soldier recently discharged from the Nigerian Army, is demanding that military authorities publicly release the findings from the investigation that led to her dismissal. This situation has drawn significant attention, as Ogunleye has publicly accused several senior officers of sexual harassment.

In January 2024, Ogunleye used her TikTok account to share her experiences, alleging that Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S. Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo were making her life unbearable through harassment. Her claims were serious and, if proven true, would indicate a severe breach of conduct within the military ranks.

She said: “I want to say a big thank you to the Nigerian Army and its spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu. It is no longer news that I was discharged from the service on June 15, 2024. I humbly request that the Nigerian Army publish the outcome of the investigation that led to my discharge.

“On January 9, 2024, I came on social media to complain about how I was harassed by Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S. Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo

“I beg the Nigerian Army to post the outcome of the investigation on its social media platforms so that the whole world will know what truly transpired and what led to my discharge. I will be very grateful if my request is considered.”

Following these allegations, Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the spokesman for the Army, held a press conference to address the situation. He stated that the military conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing all facts, testimonies, and evidence. According to Nwachukwu, the investigation concluded that Ogunleye’s allegations were false, leading to her dismissal from the Army.

In response to the Army’s findings, Ogunleye took to TikTok once again to express her disappointment. She pleaded with the Nigerian Army to make the results of the investigation public, arguing that transparency is crucial for accountability. Ogunleye also revealed that she was encouraged by a government minister to submit a discharge letter, which she did. However, she expressed shock upon learning that her discharge was attributed to mental health issues, questioning how her case had been classified as a medical discharge rather than addressing her allegations.

Ogunleye’s case has raised broader concerns about the treatment of women in the military, particularly regarding sexual harassment and the accountability of senior officers. Many advocates are calling for reforms within the military to protect female soldiers and ensure that their complaints are taken seriously.

The discussion around Ogunleye’s allegations has sparked a larger conversation about the culture within the Nigerian Army and the need for systemic changes to create a safer environment for all soldiers. As she continues to seek answers and clarity about her situation, Ogunleye’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by women in the armed forces and the importance of holding those in power accountable.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Nigerian Army will take steps to address the concerns raised by Ogunleye and ensure that justice is served in cases of alleged harassment and misconduct. The need for transparency and accountability in the military has never been more critical, and Ogunleye’s brave stand may pave the way for other soldiers to speak out about their experiences.

“I’m calling out the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy. You’re not just a mother, you’re a woman everybody respects so much. Please come out and say things as they are. Ma, you requested me to leave the job, and I submitted my handwritten voluntary resignation letter to you, which you gave to the Army, and requested that they release me to your office. The psychiatric doctors were there when you intervened.

“Come out and tell the truth, ma. Thereafter, the Chief of Army Staff called me on July 1, where he told me he converted my voluntary discharge to a medical discharge because you wanted me to benefit from pension and other entitlements. How was I boarded out, and where is this mental illness coming from?”