Nigerian Army sacks female soldier after sexual assault allegation against superior

The Nigerian Army has discharged Private Ruth Ogunleye following her accusations of sexual harassment against Colonel I.B Abdulkareem.

The soldier made the allegations via her TikTok account in January 2024, claiming that Abdulkareem, alongside other senior officers, had harassed her and forced her into a psychiatric facility after rejecting his advances.

Responding to these allegations, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, ordered an investigation.

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, stated that the investigation revealed no evidence supporting Ogunleye’s claims.

He remarked, “The Nigerian Army took immediate action to ensure a thorough investigation. The facts, testimonies, and evidence conclusively indicated that Abdulkareem did not commit the offences alleged.”

Beyond the harassment claims, the Army addressed concerns about Ogunleye’s mental health. Nwachukwu revealed that since 2022, she had been recommended for medical discharge due to a condition affecting her mental stability. Despite her behaviour, the Army opted for leniency.

“Though capable of disciplinary action, the Army exercised compassion, discharging her on medical grounds,” Onyema said.

Ogunleye, though ineligible for a full pension, was granted a 50% monthly pension for life. Nwachukwu confirmed that she had received additional benefits, including her Terminal Leave Allowance and contributions to the Army’s welfare fund.