The Nigerian Army has rejected the allegations of sexual harassment made by former Private Ruth Ogunleye against Colonel Ishiaku B. Abdulkareem and other senior officers of the Army Medical Corps in Lagos, where she was deployed.
The Nigerian Army, at a briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, exonerated the senior officer, Col. Ishiaku Abdulkareem, and other officers, of sexual harassment allegations, and consequently discharged the female accuser from the Army on medical grounds.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who disclosed these, noted that the Nigerian Army takes every accusation levelled against its personnel seriously and has established procedures to investigate any claim made against its personnel.
He said the female soldier was discharged on medical grounds paid 50 percent disability claim (benefits) despite not serving the mandatory 10 years to qualify for pension in the Armed Forces
The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu outlined the investigative process, noting, “Upon receipt of her initial complaint, which included allegations of sexual harassment, the Nigerian Army took immediate action. This matter was referred to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police and tasked with conducting thorough investigation into the veracity of her claims.
The investigation was conducted in line with established protocols, with every effort made to ensure a fair and impartial process,” Nwachukwu added that the investigation concluded that Colonel Abdulkareem did not commit the alleged offences and that the findings were based on an objective evaluation of available information.
He stated further 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 IB Abdulkareem did not commit the offence of sexual harassment as alleged by Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye. The findings were definitive and based on objective evaluation of the available information. The Army maintains that Colonel Abdulkareem is a disciplined, regimented, and firm officer who has upheld the values of the Nigerian Army throughout his service,” he added.
Further, Nwachukwu explained that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022. He said, “The Nigerian Army being sympathetic to its own, thought it wise to give her the best medical treatment possible, stabilize her before discharging her into the wider society.” He emphasized that the Army prioritized her health and well-being throughout the process.
He said while the Army was addressing the allegations of sexual harassment, Ruth Ogunleye’s behaviour both online and offline, raised questions about her worsening mental health and emotional stability.
“Consequently, the Nigerian Army referred Ex-Pte Ruth Ogunleye for medical evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja, following earlier assessments made by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps that suggested potential mental health concerns.”
He added that the decision was taken to safeguard her well-being and to ensure that any action taken by the Nigerian Army was 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. In light of this, the Army, while 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 the advice of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, the decision was made to shelve any disciplinary procedures that could have been brought against her. Instead, the Army prioritized her health, understanding that she was in no position to continue with military service. She was subsequently boarded and discharged from service,” Maj.-Gen. Nwachukwu stated.
He continued, “though Ex-private Ruth did not serve up to pensionable years of service (10 years), she has nonetheless been discharged from the Nigerian Army with 50 percent disability claim, meaning she will receive a 50 percent monthly pension for life. She has also been paid her Terminal Leave Allowance and Terminal Packing Allowance, as well as her contributions to Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS) and Benevolent Fund (BENFUND).
“The payments were made on 14 August 2024 into her FCMB account. Her Security Debarment Allowance for the period she served (5 years 54 days) has also been paid.”
He explained further that the decision for her discharge was reached following her rejection of offer of medical treatment either from the National Hospital or the Nigerian Army.
He lamented that despite the Army’s magnanimity, Ruth Ogunleye has continued to propagate false narratives against Colonel Abdulkareem and other senior officers, using online platforms to engage in cyberbullying and defamation.
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Despite her discharge, Ogunleye’s ongoing public statements have raised concerns within the Army. Nwachukwu remarked, “This sustained campaign has become an egregious misuse of her condition to garner attention, gain traffic on her social media handles, and disparage the reputation of the senior officers and the Nigerian Army in general.”
He warned that the Army would not tolerate defamation of its personnel, stating, “While we remain empathetic to Ex-Pte Ruth Ogunleye’s medical condition, we must categorically reject the continued defamation of Colonel Abdulkareem and the denigration of the Nigerian Army.”
As the situation continues to unfold, both parties remain firm in their respective positions, with Ogunleye seeking clarity and accountability, and the Nigerian Army maintaining its stance of professionalism and adherence to due process. The case has drawn significant public attention and sparked discussions regarding the treatment of allegations within military ranks.
