Private Ruth Ogunleye, a former soldier of the Nigerian Army, is making headlines as she calls for transparency in her case involving allegations of sexual harassment against senior officers.
In a recent TikTok video, Ogunleye urged the Nigerian Army to publicly share the findings of its investigation into her serious accusations.
Ogunleye was discharged from the Army earlier this year under controversial circumstances.
She alleges that Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem harassed her repeatedly, including administering unwanted medical treatments and confining her to a psychiatric hospital when she rejected his advances.
In her video, Ogunleye said, “I want to say a big thank you to the Nigerian Army and its spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu. It is no longer news that I was discharged from the service on June 15, 2024.”
Ogunleye’s accusations extend beyond Colonel Abdulkareem.
She also named Colonel G.S. Ogor and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo, claiming they contributed to her suffering during her service.
She believes that the investigation results should be made public to ensure transparency and justice.
“I humbly request that the Nigerian Army publish the outcome of the investigation that led to my discharge,” Ogunleye stated.
Her call for action emphasizes the need for accountability within the military.
She added, “I beg the Nigerian Army to post the outcome of the investigation on its social media platforms so that the whole world will know what truly transpired and what led to my discharge.”
In response to Ogunleye’s claims, the Nigerian Army has dismissed her accusations.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army spokesperson, stated that a thorough review found no merit in Ogunleye’s allegations.
The Army further claimed that medical evaluations revealed Ogunleye had a pre-existing condition that contributed to her discharge.
This medical evaluation has raised questions and sparked further outrage from Ogunleye.
While the Army expressed gratitude for Ogunleye’s service, they stand by their decision to discharge her.
Ogunleye is not just fighting for her case; she is also advocating for the rights of women in the military.
In her video, she addressed the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy, urging her not to remain silent.
She accused the minister of pressuring her to submit her resignation, which has added another layer to her fight.
“I’m calling out the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy. You’re not just a mother; you’re a woman everybody respects so much,” Ogunleye said.
She recounted how the minister intervened in her case, saying, “Please come out and say things as they are.”
Ogunleye expressed disbelief that her discharge was linked to a mental illness.
She stated that her voluntary resignation was misrepresented as a medical discharge.
Ogunleye shared her shock, saying, “How was I boarded out, and where is this mental illness coming from?”
Ogunleye’s use of social media has brought significant attention to her case.
Her TikTok video has resonated with many, sparking discussions about the treatment of women in the military and the need for accountability.
The public response has been largely supportive, with many calling for a thorough investigation and transparency from the Army.
