The Nigerian Army has confirmed the discharge of Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye on medical grounds, following a thorough medical evaluation that raised concerns about her mental health and emotional stability.
Ogunleye, who had served under Colonel IB Abdulkareem at the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, was discharged with 50% disability benefits, entitling her to a lifetime pension, despite not serving the full pensionable period of 10 years.
In a press briefing today, the Army spokesperson General Onyema Nwachukwu clarified that Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge since 2022 but was given extended medical care before her eventual release from service.
However, despite her discharge and medical support, Ogunleye has continued to level serious accusations, including claims of sexual harassment, against Colonel Abdulkareem and other senior officers, which she has publicized on social media platforms such as TikTok.
He revealed that the Army took immediate action when Ogunleye’s initial allegations were made, referring the matter to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police for a thorough investigation.
The findings, according to the Army, cleared Colonel Abdulkareem of any wrongdoing, concluding that the allegations of sexual harassment were baseless.
Despite the Army’s efforts to address her concerns and provide medical support, Ogunleye has persisted in using social media to engage in what the Army describes as cyberbullying and defamation.
The Army condemned this behaviour and urged the public to disregard her false claims, stressing that Colonel Abdulkareem remains a disciplined and dedicated officer.
While the Army expressed sympathy for Ogunleye’s medical condition, it emphasized that it would not tolerate the defamation of its personnel or unwarranted attacks on the integrity of its officers.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professionalism, discipline, and the welfare of its personnel while urging that Ogunleye’s allegations be viewed as without merit.
LV