The Nigerian Army has cleared Colonel Ishiaku Abdulkareem of all allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation brought against him by Private Ruth Ogunleye, a female soldier. This announcement was made by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson, who briefed journalists on the outcome of the investigation on Tuesday in Abuja.
In January 2024, Ogunleye posted a video on TikTok in which she accused Colonel Abdulkareem, along with two other senior officers, of harassment, intimidation, and threats to her life. According to her, the issues began when she was posted to the Cantonment Medical Centre in Ojo, Lagos, where she encountered the colonel. Ogunleye claimed that her interactions with these officers made her life unbearable.
However, after an exhaustive investigation, the army concluded that the allegations were unsubstantiated. Major General Nwachukwu revealed that the investigation found no evidence to support Ogunleye’s claims, leading to Colonel Abdulkareem’s exoneration.
Background of the Case
The army spokesperson provided further insights into Ogunleye’s history within the military, explaining that in 2022, she was initially recommended for discharge on medical grounds. However, in a bid to ensure she received adequate medical care, the Nigerian Army decided to retain her temporarily to provide the best possible treatment.
“During the course of the investigation, it was observed that the mental health condition of the female soldier had worsened,” Nwachukwu said, highlighting the army’s concern for Ogunleye’s well-being despite the challenges surrounding the case.
Pension and Ongoing Issues
Although Private Ogunleye did not serve the minimum 10 years required for a full pension, Major General Nwachukwu disclosed that she will still be entitled to a 50 percent monthly pension for life, as a measure of goodwill from the army.
Despite these actions, the army spokesperson noted that Ogunleye continued to use her social media accounts to defame senior officers and spread false narratives, even after the investigation concluded. Nwachukwu stressed that the army remains committed to upholding the integrity of its officers and ensuring that justice prevails in all circumstances.
The conclusion of this investigation highlights the Nigerian Army’s stance on maintaining professionalism, transparency, and accountability within its ranks, ensuring that all allegations are thoroughly investigated and addressed.