Nigerian Army Clears Colonel of Sexual Harassment Allegations

In a significant development, the Nigerian Army has officially cleared Colonel Ishaya Ibrahim of allegations of sexual harassment, cyberbullying, and defamation made against him by former Private Ruth Ogunleye. The allegations had sparked intense public interest, particularly after Ogunleye took to social media platforms like TikTok to voice her claims.

According to Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, the accusations were taken seriously, and the Army promptly launched a thorough investigation into the matter. The Nigerian Army’s investigation, conducted by the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, found no evidence to support Ogunleye’s claims, concluding that Colonel Ibrahim acted within the bounds of discipline and respect for his duties as an officer. Nwachukwu emphasized the Army’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability, ensuring every investigation follows due process.

Mental Health Concerns Lead to Ogunleye’s Discharge

During the course of the investigation, the Nigerian Army also uncovered concerns regarding Ogunleye’s mental health. She was recommended for discharge as far back as 2022, but the Army, in a bid to prioritize her welfare, opted to provide medical treatment before taking further action. Independent medical evaluations were conducted at the National Hospital in Abuja, confirming that Ogunleye was dealing with mental health issues, which likely influenced her behavior both on and offline.

The Army chose to approach her case with compassion. Despite Ogunleye’s continued online accusations, the Army decided against pursuing disciplinary measures for her actions. Instead, she was discharged on medical grounds, receiving a 50 percent disability pension, alongside other entitlements such as Terminal Leave Allowance and contributions from the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme.

Cyberbullying Campaign and Defamation Claims

Despite her discharge, Ruth Ogunleye has continued to use social media, particularly TikTok, to propagate allegations against Colonel Ibrahim and other senior officers. The Army has expressed concern over her sustained cyberbullying campaign, stating that her actions have shifted from legitimate grievances to a misuse of her platform to malign and defame senior officers.

Major General Nwachukwu emphasized that while the Army remains empathetic to Ogunleye’s medical condition, it would not tolerate baseless allegations that tarnish the reputation of its officers. He urged the public to disregard her claims, which he described as false and driven by ulterior motives. The Army maintained that Colonel Ibrahim is a highly disciplined officer who has served with honor, and any attempts to discredit him through unsubstantiated allegations will be rejected.

The Nigerian Army’s Commitment to Due Process and Personnel Welfare

Throughout the investigation, the Nigerian Army demonstrated its dedication to ensuring justice and transparency. Major General Nwachukwu reiterated that the Army adheres to strict protocols when handling complaints against its personnel, ensuring impartial and thorough investigations. The decision to discharge Ogunleye was not taken lightly, with the Army prioritizing her mental health and providing support through appropriate channels.

Furthermore, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of both current and former personnel. It highlighted that Ogunleye’s discharge package, including her pension and other entitlements, was processed with her best interests in mind. The Army remains dedicated to maintaining order, discipline, and professionalism, ensuring that its officers are protected from unwarranted attacks while upholding the rights of all individuals.

Background to the Allegations Against Col. IB Abdulkareem

In a shocking revelation, Private Ruth Ogunleye, a soldier in the Nigerian Army, has leveled serious accusations against her superior officer, Colonel IB Abdulkareem. According to Ogunleye, the colonel has subjected her to a series of harrowing experiences after she repeatedly rejected his alleged sexual advances. In a statement made public, she claimed that Abdulkareem not only threatened her life but also took punitive actions by withholding her salary for several months.

The accusations, which have sparked widespread outrage, paint a disturbing picture of abuse of power within the military. Ogunleye further alleged that her refusal to comply with Abdulkareem’s inappropriate demands resulted in her being forcibly injected with an unknown substance and confined to a psychiatric hospital. The ordeal, she said, has left her fearing for her safety, prompting her to seek justice and publicly expose the colonel’s alleged misconduct.