Ruth Ogunleye, a former Nigerian soldier, has released a video condemning her dismissal from the military after she accused senior officers of rape and sexual harassment. Ogunleye, who initially made the allegations on TikTok in January, claimed she suffered abuse at the hands of a general and two colonels. Her accusations sparked outrage across Nigeria, leading to discussions between the women’s minister and the army chief.
Following an investigation, the Nigerian Army dismissed her claims and stated she had been discharged on medical grounds, citing a condition that makes her vulnerable, though they provided no further details. Ogunleye has now released a second TikTok video, demanding the army make the investigation’s findings public. In the video, she details her ordeal, alleging she was raped, injected with an unknown substance, confined in a casket, and threatened at gunpoint.
“On January 9th, 2024, I shared my story about the harassment, rape, and injection I endured,” she said. “I urge the Nigerian Army to publish the outcome of the investigation so the world can know what truly transpired.”
The army’s spokesperson, General Onyema Nwachukwu, addressed the matter, stating that the investigation by the Military Police found Colonel IB Abdulkareem innocent of the accusations. He also accused Ogunleye of spreading false narratives and engaging in defamation through online platforms.
Despite the army’s stance, women’s rights activists are calling for an independent investigation. Hadiza Ado, founder of the Women and Children Initiative, questioned the timing of the medical condition claims, asking why they only surfaced after Ogunleye’s dismissal.
“The army is known for not wanting to wash its dirty linen in public,” Ado said, urging transparency in the case.
