By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian Army has addressed serious allegations made by Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye against Colonel IB Abdulkareem and other personnel of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps.
Addressing newsmen at Army Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday, the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that an investigation was conducted, and Colonel Abdulkareem was cleared of any wrongdoing.
According to him, Ex-Private Ogunleye had accused Colonel Abdulkareem of sexual harassment, but an exhaustive review of facts, testimonies, and evidence proved otherwise.
He averred that after the allegations, the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, through its investigation, followed established protocols to ensure fairness and impartiality.
“The investigation was conducted in line with established protocols, with every effort made to ensure a fair and partial process.
“The investigation concluded that Colonel IB Abdulkareem did not commit the offence of sexual harassment as alleged by Ex-Pte Ruth Ogunleye,” General Nwanchukwu explained.
He said the investigation further revealed that Ex-Private Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022.
However, the Army provided her with medical treatment before discharging her.
The Director noted that further concerns about her conduct and mental health arose during the investigation, leading to a medical evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja.
The medical evaluation confirmed that Ogunleye suffered from a condition that made her ‘medically vulnerable.’
He said the Army, as a professional and reputable institution, decided not to pursue disciplinary action against her but instead prioritized the health of the worrying ex-soldier.
She was discharged from service with a 50% disability claim, entitling her to a 50% monthly pension for life, along with other benefits.
“Though Ex-Pte Ogunleye did not serve up to pensionable years of service (10 years), she has nonetheless been discharged from the Nigerian Army with a 50% 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 Packaging Allowance, as well as her contributions to the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS) and Benevolent Fund (BENFUND),” he stated.
He said despite this consideration, Ogunleye has continued to propagate false narratives against Colonel Abdulkareem and other senior officers, engaging in cyberbullying and defamation. The Nigerian Army cautions the public to treat her allegations as baseless, given her established medical condition.
Recall that in a trending video on social media recently, Ruth Ogunleye, a female Nigerian Army soldier, has come forward with disturbing allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation by top army commanders. She specifically named Col. I.B. Abdulkareem, Col. G.S. Ogor, and Brig. Gen. I.B. Solebo, claiming they’ve been oppressing her since 2022 for refusing their advances.
Ogunleye shared that she was falsely accused of having a mental condition, leading to her eviction, multiple incarcerations, and a month-long stay in a mental institution without medication.
She also alleged that her income has been withheld since February 2023, and her bank account suspended.
Despite her efforts to report these incidents to senior and junior officers, Ogunleye stated that Colonel Abdulkareem dismissed her claims, saying she suffered from a mental condition. He allegedly barred her from attending army classes and restricted her access to her parents.
She narrated, ”I know definitely they will come for me. They will lock me up, and they will dismiss me, but I don’t care. I can’t endure again.”
This prompted the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye to intervene, meeting with the Chief of Army Staff to address Ogunleye’s case.
The Army Spokesperson noted that the Nigerian Army has demonstrated its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability in handling the matter.
