KEY POINTS
- Ruth Ogunleye was discharged from the Nigerian army, causing public outrage.
- She accused senior officers of harassment before her dismissal.
- Civil groups are demanding an independent investigation.
The sudden discharge of Ruth Ogunleye from the Nigerian army has ignited reactions on social media. Many Nigerians expressed outrage and disbelief over the decision.
The army claims Ogunleye’s discharge was due to her mental health, but critics argue it was an attempt to silence her after she spoke out about sexual harassment and assault by senior officers.
Ogunleye’s Allegations
On Jan. 9, 2024, former Private Ogunleye took to social media to reveal allegations of relentless harassment, intimidation, and even physical assault by three senior army officers after she rejected their advances.
In a video that went viral, Ogunleye specifically accused Col. I.B. Abdulkareem, based at the Nigerian Army Medical Corps headquarters in Lagos, of threatening to dismiss her and spreading false rumors about her mental health.
Ogunleye claimed the officer acted this way because she refused his sexual advances. She also stated that her efforts to seek help were met with resistance and betrayal, alleging that Abdulkareem froze her bank account, withholding her salary for over a year, which she said pushed her to the brink of despair.
Army’s Response
The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, held a press briefing in Abuja this week stating that an investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by Col. Abdulkareem.
“Upon receipt of her complaint, which included allegations of sexual harassment, the Nigerian army referred the matter to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police for investigation,” Nwachukwu said.
“The investigation, conducted in line with established protocols, aimed to ensure a fair and impartial process.”
He continued, “After a thorough review of the facts, testimonies, and evidence presented, the investigation concluded that Col. I.B. Abdulkareem did not commit the offense of sexual harassment as alleged by ex-Private Ogunleye.
The findings were definitive and based on objective evaluation. The army maintains that Col. Abdulkareem has upheld the values of the Nigerian army throughout his service.”
Nwachukwu also stated that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022 but was given medical treatment to stabilize her.
“Further concerns regarding Ogunleye’s conduct emerged while addressing the harassment allegations,” he said.
According to Nwachukwu, Ogunleye was referred for medical evaluation, which indicated mental health concerns. “This decision was taken to safeguard her well-being and ensure actions taken were informed by a comprehensive understanding of her condition,” he added.
Nwachukwu also stated that, based on medical reports from the National Hospital and advice from the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, disciplinary procedures were shelved, and Ogunleye was discharged on compassionate grounds.
Ogunleye’s Response
Upon news of her discharge, Ogunleye took to TikTok to question why her discharge was linked to mental health.
She claimed that this was not part of her original resignation and called on the Nigerian army to release the outcome of the investigation into her allegations of sexual harassment.
She also called on Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy to speak out, noting that Kennedy had encouraged her to submit her resignation letter to the army. Ogunleye said she was officially discharged on June 15, 2024.
Civil Society Organizations React
Civil society organizations raised concerns over the discrepancy between Ogunleye’s statements and the army’s justification for her discharge. Members questioned why it took so long for the army to detect any mental health issues.
Okechukwu Nwagunma, executive director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), said, “At what point did the army discover her mental health issues? Was it before enrollment or after? Why didn’t the recruitment screening detect it?”
Nwagunma also called for the army to make the investigation findings public and for an independent review to ensure transparency.
Hadiza Ado, founder of the Women and Children Initiative, told the BBC, “If the army is claiming a medical condition, for how long was she in service with it, and why bring it up only after her dismissal?”
Voices of Female Security Personnel
The situation made female personnel across the armed forces to give their opinions. Opinions were divided, with some criticizing Ogunleye’s decision to make the matter public and others defending her for exposing systemic issues within the security services.
According to a report by Vanguard, a private soldier named Dorcas said, “The military has a culture of silence, where female soldiers are often punished if they do not comply with officers’ demands. It’s only God who knows the true situation here.”
Private Zainab, based in Kano, expressed suspicion regarding the mental health evaluation, saying, “Ruth alleged that she was injected. Could the injection have affected the outcome of the test?”
A female flight sergeant in the Nigerian Air Force, speaking anonymously, said, “If this issue isn’t fully addressed, the impact on female soldiers will be devastating. The silence and shame surrounding sexual harassment will only perpetuate fear and intimidation.”
Impact on female soldiers
The controversy has increased fears among female soldiers and other security agents about the consequences of speaking out against harassment.
A female police officer, who spoke anonymously, said, “The way Ogunleye’s situation was handled sends a chilling message to female security agents—that speaking out results in dismissal.”
She emphasized that Ogunleye’s discharge on mental health grounds has ignited an overdue conversation about the treatment of women in the military and security agencies.
“It is now up to the institutions to listen and take action to ensure all personnel can serve with dignity and respect.
Today, it’s Ogunleye; tomorrow, it could be someone else.”
