Army Dismiss Female Soldier Who Accused Officers Of Sexual Assault

The Nigerian Army has dismissed a female soldier, identified as Private Ruth Ogunleye, from service after she accused a senior officer, Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, of sexual assault.

In January 2024, Ogunleye posted a video via her TikTok page, @Ogunleyeruthsavage1, accusing Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S. Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo of making her life difficult.

She accused Abdulkareem of repeatedly trying to assault her, forcing her to take injections, removing her from her residence, and sending her to a psychiatric hospital for several months after she rejected his sexual advances.

Following these accusations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, ordered thorough findings into the incident.

Interacting with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, announced that after investigations, testimonies, and evidence presented, it was revealed that Abdulkareem did not commit the crime asserted by Ogunleye.

"The Nigerian Army promptly launched an investigation into Ogunleye's initial complaint of sexual harassment, which was referred to the military police."

He said, “Upon receipt of her first complaint, which included accusations of sexual assault, the Nigerian Army took prompt action. The matter was transferred to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, who were charged with conducting a thorough finding into the veracity of her allegations. The findings were conducted in accordance with set protocols, with every effort made to make sure a fair and fair process.

“It is important to state that the Nigerian Army, in its bid to ensure justice and honesty, conducted an exhaustive review of the facts, testimonies, and evidence presented.

 “The findings concluded that Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem did not commit the crime of sexual assault as claimed by ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye. The findings were conclusive and based on an objective evaluation of the accessible information.”

Onyema also disclosed that Ogunleye had been proposed for dismissal on health reasons since 2022, but the Nigerian Army, showing compassion, supplied her with the best possible medical treatment before dismissing her into civilian life.