Nigerian female soldier seeks review of sexual harassment case after discharge

October 09, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

A Nigerian female soldier, Private Ruth Ogunleye, has been discharged from the army after accusing Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, a senior officer, of sexual harassment.

Despite the army’s investigation finding no evidence to support her claims, Ogunleye is now seeking a review of her case, citing concerns that the investigation was manipulated.

Ogunleye made the accusation against Abdulkareem on social media, alleging that he made repeated attempts to assault her, administered injections against her will, and confined her to a psychiatric hospital after she rejected his advances.

The Nigerian Army promptly launched an investigation, but ultimately concluded that Abdulkareem did not commit the offenses alleged by Ogunleye.

Ogunleye said, “I’m very sorry sir. From the depth of my heart, I’m sorry for disrespecting you. Have mercy. This has to do with my reputation, my name.

“It is not good for one to be stigmatized because stigma can lead people to death.

“I will also beg you if the case will be reviewed because I feel someone somewhere tampered with the result. I don’t want to make it look as if I’m assuming.”

The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, revealed that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022, but the army provided her with medical treatment before discharging her.

Ogunleye was also offered a 50% monthly pension for life, among other benefits.

In a recent video, Ogunleye apologized to the Chief of Army Staff and demanded a review of her case, stating that her reputation and name are at stake. She expressed concerns about the investigation’s integrity and the stigmatization she has faced.

The Nigerian Army has maintained that its investigation was thorough and impartial.