Discharged Female Soldier Challenges Army On Sexual Harassment Investigation Outcome
A former female soldier, Private Ruth Ogunleye, has asked the Nigerian Army to publish the outcome of its investigation on alleged sexual harassment.
In January 2024, Private Ogunleye, through her TikTok account, accused Colonel Abdulkareem, alongside Colonel G.S Ogor and Brigadier General I.B Solebo of severely mistreating her.
According to her, Abdulkareem on multiple occasions, attempted to assault her, forced her to take injections, and confined her to a psychiatric hospital when she did not give in to his advances and falsely claimed she was mentally ill whenever she attempted to report him.
The Chief of Army Staff, in reaction to these serious allegations, directed a full-scale investigation to uncover the truth.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, September 24th, Army Spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu revealed that after a thorough investigation, the Army found no evidence to support Ogunleye’s claims against Abdulkareem.
General Nwachukwu stressed that the inquiry followed all established protocols to ensure fairness, and after reviewing testimonies and evidence, it was determined that Colonel Abdulkareem did not commit the offences alleged by Ogunleye.
The army spokesman also said Private Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022 but was given medical support until her eventual discharge.
The spokesperson further noted that during the investigation, Ogunleye’s mental health condition had reportedly deteriorated.
But reacting to the above claims Ogunleye via her TikTok account urged the Nigerian army to publish the outcome of the investigation.
She however called on the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy to further intervene ensuring that justice is done to the matter.
