Female Veteran Demands Nigerian Army Release Sexual Harassment Investigation Report

Former Nigerian Soldier Demands Transparency in Sexual Harassment Investigation.

Private Ruth Ogunleye, a former female soldier, has publicly urged the Nigerian Army to release the findings of its investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against senior officer Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem. In January 2024, Ogunleye took to TikTok to accuse Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S. Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo of making her life unbearable, citing repeated assault attempts, forced medical treatments, and unlawful confinement to a psychiatric hospital after rejecting Abdulkareem’s advances.

However, the Nigerian Army’s Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, dismissed Ogunleye’s allegations, stating that an exhaustive review found no evidence of wrongdoing by Abdulkareem. Medical reports from the National Hospital in Abuja allegedly indicated Ogunleye suffered from a condition rendering her medically vulnerable.

Reacting to her June 15, 2024, discharge, Ogunleye expressed gratitude to the Army while pleading for the investigation’s outcome to be made public. She requested that the Nigerian Army share the findings on their social media platforms to provide clarity on her discharge.

Additionally, Ogunleye called on Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy to address the situation, revealing that Kennedy had facilitated her discharge. Ogunleye disputed the medical grounds for her discharge, questioning the origins of the claimed mental illness.

 Key Allegations and Reactions:

– Alleged Sexual Harassment: Ogunleye accused Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem of repeated assault attempts and harassment.
– Investigation Outcome: Nigerian Army deemed allegations unsubstantiated, citing medical reports indicating Ogunleye’s medical vulnerability.
– Call for Transparency: Ogunleye urges public disclosure of investigation findings.
– Minister’s Involvement: Ogunleye seeks clarification from Minister Uju Kennedy on discharge circumstances.

The case highlights concerns about accountability and transparency within the Nigerian military regarding allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.