Army Absolves Colonel of Harassment Allegations, Cites Accuser’s Mental Health Issues

Nigerian Soldier Discharged After Alleging Sexual Harassment by Senior Officers.

Private Ruth Ogunleye, a Nigerian soldier, has been discharged from service following her public allegations of sexual harassment against senior military officers, including Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S. Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo. Ogunleye claimed that Abdulkareem made repeated unwanted advances, forcibly evicted her from her residence, and confined her to a psychiatric facility for months after she rejected his advances.

 Allegations and Investigation

Ogunleye took to social media platform TikTok to share her ordeal, sparking widespread attention and prompting an investigation by the Nigerian Army. The Army’s Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that the investigation found no grounds to substantiate Ogunleye’s claims against Abdulkareem.

 Discharge and Controversy

Despite the investigation’s findings, Ogunleye was discharged from service on medical grounds, with the Army citing a pre-existing condition that rendered her medically vulnerable. Critics argue that the discharge and alleged detention of Ogunleye, while the accused officers remain unpunished, raises concerns about the Nigerian Army’s handling of sexual harassment allegations and potential violations of human rights.