‘He’s innocent,’ Army exonerates colonel accused of sexual harassment, discharges female soldier from service

The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations of cyberbullying and sexual harassment made against Colonel Ishaku Abdulkareem and other personnel by former Private Ruth Ogunleye on social media.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye has continued to spread false claims against Colonel Abdulkareem and other senior officers, using social media platforms for cyberbullying and defamation, despite a panel report clearing the officer of any wrongdoing.

General Nwachukwu explained that Ogunleye was officially discharged on June 14, 2024, following a comprehensive medical evaluation that deemed her unfit for continued military service.

He emphasized that while the Nigerian Army strongly condemns any acts of sexual harassment, it will not tolerate the defamation of its officers and soldiers, especially when based on false accusations and motivated by personal agendas.

“The Nigerian Army, committed to justice and transparency, conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing all facts, testimonies, and evidence. The inquiry concluded that Colonel IB Abdulkareem did not engage in the alleged sexual harassment as claimed by Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye. The findings were clear and based on an objective evaluation of the available information,” Nwachukwu stated.

He further stressed that Colonel Abdulkareem is a disciplined and principled officer who has consistently upheld the values of the Nigerian Army throughout his service.

Nwachukwu also noted that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds as early as 2022, but the Army chose to provide her with the best possible medical treatment before her discharge, out of concern for her well-being.