Nigerian Army Clears Colonel of Sexual Harassment Allegations, Raises Mental Health Concerns for Female Soldier

[justseyi]

In a high-profile case, the Nigerian Army has cleared Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem of sexual harassment allegations brought forward by Private Ruth Ogunleye, who has since been discharged from military service. Ogunleye’s claims centered around accusations that Abdulkareem made unwanted sexual advances, forcibly evicted her, administered injections without consent, and confined her to a psychiatric facility for several months after she rejected him.

Ogunleye had publicly voiced these allegations on her TikTok account, accusing not only Colonel Abdulkareem but also Colonel G.S. Ogor and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo of intimidation and harassment. In response, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, ordered a full investigation.

Following a thorough inquiry by the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, announced that no evidence was found to substantiate Ogunleye’s claims. According to the Army, their investigation was conducted with fairness and objectivity, reviewing testimonies and all available evidence.

The Army also revealed that Ogunleye had been recommended for medical discharge in 2022, citing mental health concerns. She was referred to the National Hospital in Abuja for evaluation, where medical professionals confirmed that she was suffering from a condition that rendered her medically vulnerable. Based on these findings, the Army decided to discharge her on medical grounds rather than pursue disciplinary action for alleged acts of indiscipline.

Despite the seriousness of her accusations, the Nigerian Army emphasized their priority on Ogunleye’s health and well-being, stating that compassion and leniency guided their decision to release her from service.

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