The Nigerian Army has discharged Private Ruth Ogunleye after she accused senior officer Colonel I.B Abdulkareem of sexual harassment.

In January 2024, Ogunleye shared her allegations on TikTok (@Ogunleyeruthsavage1), claiming Colonel Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B Solebo made her life unbearable.

She accused Abdulkareem of repeated assault attempts, forced injections, removal from her residence, and confinement to a psychiatric hospital after rejecting his advances.

The Chief of Army Staff ordered an investigation, and the Director of Army Public Relations announced that Abdulkareem was cleared of the allegations after a thorough review.

He said, “Upon receipt of her initial complaint, which included allegations of sexual harassment, the Nigerian Army took immediate action. The matter was referred to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, who were tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the veracity of her claims.

“The investigation was conducted in accordance with established protocols, with every effort made to ensure a fair and impartial process.

“It is crucial to assert that the Nigerian Army, in its bid to ensure justice and transparency, conducted an exhaustive review of the facts, testimonies, and evidence presented.

“The investigation concluded that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem did not commit the offence of sexual harassment as alleged by ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye. The findings were definitive and based on an objective evaluation of the available information.”

Onyema also revealed that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022, but the Nigerian Army, showing sympathy, provided her with the best possible medical treatment before discharging her into civilian life.

He added, “While the Army was addressing the allegations of sexual harassment, further concerns regarding Ruth Ogunleye’s conduct came to light. Her behaviour, both online and offline, raised questions about her deteriorating mental health and emotional stability.”

Onyema stated that medical reports following an evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja indicated that Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that rendered her medically vulnerable.

He said, “Consequently, the Nigerian Army referred ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye for medical evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja, following earlier assessments by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps that suggested potential mental health concerns.

“This decision was made to safeguard her well-being and ensure that any actions taken by the Nigerian Army were informed by a comprehensive understanding of her condition, as advised by trained professionals.

“The medical evaluation confirmed that Ruth Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that made her medically vulnerable.”

Onyema said that, based on her medical condition, the Army had decided not to pursue disciplinary action against Ogunleye. Instead, she was discharged from service on medical grounds.

He added, “In light of this, the Army, though fully capable of proceeding with disciplinary action for her acts of indiscipline and misconduct, opted to exercise compassion and leniency. Based on the medical report from the National Hospital and advice from the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, the decision was made to shelve any disciplinary procedures that could have been taken against her.

“Instead, the Army prioritised her health, understanding that she was in no position to continue with military service. She was subsequently boarded and discharged from service.”

Onyema further stated that although Ogunleye was not entitled to a pension, she was discharged with a 50 per cent monthly pension for life, among other benefits.

He said, “Despite ex-Private Ruth not serving the requisite number of years to qualify for a pension (10 years), she has nonetheless been discharged from the Nigerian Army with a 50 percent disability claim, meaning she will receive a 50 per cent monthly pension for life.

“She has also been paid her Terminal Leave Allowance and Terminal Packing Allowance, as well as her contributions to the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme and Benevolent Fund.

“These payments were made on 14 August 2024 into her FCMB account. Her Security Debarment Allowance for the period she served (5 years and 54 days) has also been paid.

“The decision to discharge her was made after she rejected an offer of medical treatment, either from the National Hospital or the Nigerian Army.”

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released its latest report, revealing a notable increase in Nigeria’s unemployment rate.

According to the NBS, the country’s unemployment rate rose to 5.3 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024.

This represents a slight increase from the 5 percent recorded in the third quarter (Q3) of 2023.

More to come…

Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, believes the Edo state governorship election outcome truly represents the people’s will.

In an interview with Channels Television, Oshiomhole rejected opposition parties’ claims of rigging in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Monday Okpebholo, APC’s candidate, the winner on Sunday.

Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who got 247,274 votes.

Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came a distant third with 22,763 votes.

On Monday, Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation (CSO), said the election failed the integrity test, adding that the collation process was marred by inconsistencies, which suggests vote manipulation.

The PDP has rejected the outcome of the election while asking INEC to review the results.

However, Oshiomhole said Okpbeholo represents the choice of the people, adding that the APC candidate won the poll because he “communicated” with the voters.

Oshiomhole criticised Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, over PDP’s refusal to sign the peace accord ahead of the September 21 election.

“It was not rigged. This election is a reflection of the will of Edo people. Are you not surprised that it is not possible to rig election without violence? Edo people have spoken about their choice,” Oshiomhole said.

“Obaseki refused to sign the peace accord, which shows that he is a worse version of godfather since you call people like us godfathers. He is a worse version. He did not allow the candidate (Ighodalo to sign the peace accord).

He described Okpbeholo as a “poor man” who lacks the financial resources to buy votes like the other candidates in the election.

“The election was won by Senator Monday Okpbeholo. He has the mandate of the people, and that is what we call legitimacy,” he said.

”You just told me that this man (Okpbeholo) is weak, and yet he was able to rig out these directors with their money and wealth. A poor man like Monday. How?”

The senator insisted that the APC won the election “fair and square” and that the governor-elect will justify the confidence reposed on him by the people.