Colonel Found Not Guilty By The Army Of Harassing A Female Soldier In A Sex-ual Manner

PRESS BRIEFING ON ALLEGATIONS BY EX-PRIVATE RUTH OGUNLEYE AGAINST COL IB ABDULKAREEM AND OTHERS OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS 1. Good morning, esteemed members of the press. The Nigerian Army finds it imperative to address a series of serious allegations, instances of cyberbullying, and ongoing defamatory actions directed at Colonel IB Abdulkareem and other personnel by Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. This individual has persistently engaged in an online campaign against Colonel Abdulkareem, a situation that the Army can no longer disregard. 2. I would like to emphasize that the Nigerian Army is a professional organization dedicated to upholding the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and accountability. It operates under a framework of rules and regulations that ensure all officers and soldiers adhere to principles of respect for human rights and due process. Consequently, the Army treats every allegation against its personnel with utmost seriousness and has established protocols to investigate any claims made. 3. The situation involving Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye, who asserts that she was a former subordinate of Colonel IB Abdulkareem at the Nigerian Army Medical Corps Headquarters in Lagos, exemplifies our commitment to due process. Following the receipt of her initial complaint, which included allegations of sexual harassment, the Nigerian Army acted promptly. The case was referred to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, which was tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the validity of her claims. This investigation was carried out in accordance with established protocols, ensuring that every effort was made to maintain a fair and impartial process. 4. It is essential to emphasize that the Nigerian Army, in its commitment to justice and transparency, undertook a thorough examination of the facts, testimonies, and evidence provided. The investigation determined that Colonel IB Abdulkareem was not guilty of the alleged sexual harassment as claimed by Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye. The conclusions drawn were conclusive and founded on an objective assessment of the information at hand. The Army asserts that Colonel Abdulkareem is a disciplined, structured, and resolute officer who has consistently upheld the principles of the Nigerian Army throughout his tenure. 5. It is important to note that Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022. However, the Nigerian Army, demonstrating compassion towards its personnel, opted to provide her with the best possible medical care to stabilize her condition before her discharge into the broader community. While the Army was investigating the allegations of sexual harassment, additional concerns regarding Ruth Ogunleye’s behavior emerged. Her actions, both online and offline, raised significant concerns about her deteriorating mental health and emotional stability. As a result, the Nigerian Army referred Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye for a medical evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja, following prior assessments by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps that indicated potential mental health issues. This course of action was taken to ensure her well-being and to guarantee that any measures implemented by the Nigerian Army were based on a thorough understanding of her condition as recommended by qualified professionals. 6. The medical assessment determined that Ruth Ogunleye was experiencing a condition that rendered her medically vulnerable. Consequently, although the Army had the authority to initiate disciplinary measures for her acts of indiscipline and misconduct, it chose to act with compassion and leniency. Informed by the medical report from the National Hospital and the recommendations of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, the decision was made to suspend any potential disciplinary actions against her. The Army prioritized her health, recognizing that she was unable to continue her military service. As a result, she was subsequently boarded and discharged from service. 7. Additionally, although Ex-private Ruth did not complete the requisite ten years of service for pension eligibility, she has been discharged from the Nigerian Army with a 50 percent disability claim, entitling her to receive a 50 percent monthly pension for life. She has also received her Terminal Leave Allowance and Terminal Packing Allowance, along with her contributions to the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS) and the Benevolent Fund (BENFUND). These payments were deposited into her FCMB account on 14 August 2024. Furthermore, her Security Debarment Allowance for her service duration of 5 years and 54 days has also been disbursed. The decision regarding her discharge was made after she declined the offer of medical treatment from both the National Hospital and the Nigerian Army. 8. Notwithstanding this, Ruth Ogunleye has persistently disseminated misleading narratives regarding Colonel Abdulkareem and other senior officers, utilizing online platforms to engage in acts of cyberbullying and defamation. This ongoing campaign represents a significant exploitation of her circumstances to attract attention, increase traffic on her social media accounts, and tarnish the reputations of senior officers and the Nigerian Army as a whole. It is imperative to assert clearly that the Nigerian Army will not condone the defamation of its officers and soldiers, especially when such actions are founded on falsehoods and motivated by ulterior intentions. 9. While we express our understanding of Ex-Pte Ruth Ogunleye’s medical situation, we must firmly denounce the ongoing defamation of Colonel Abdulkareem and the disparagement of the Nigerian Army. The Army has taken all necessary steps to address her grievances through the proper channels, and investigations have exonerated Colonel Abdulkareem of any misconduct. We urge the public to regard her claims as unfounded and lacking in substance, considering her established medical condition. 10. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding discipline and order within its ranks. Colonel IB Abdulkareem is a committed officer who has served our country with honor and distinction. While we are devoted to providing care and support to former personnel such as Ex-Pte Ruth Ogunleye, we will not permit our personnel to be defamed or subjected to unjustified attacks. 11. It is crucial to highlight that the Nigerian Army, as a professional national institution, has exercised considerable restraint and decorum regarding this issue, allowing for a comprehensive, transparent, and impartial investigation as well as a medical assessment to clarify the allegations. The Nigerian Army wishes to affirm that it operates with high standards of professionalism and takes the welfare of its personnel seriously, addressing all allegations with the gravity they warrant.