…discharges ex-Private Ruth for mental health condition
After about nine months Colonel IB Abdulkareem of Headquarters, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, was accused by ex-Private soldier Ruth Ogunleye of sexual harassment, intimidation and illegal detention without trail, an investigative panel has exonerated the senior officer of wrong doing.
Briefing the press on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu explained that it was expedite to clear the grave allegations of “cyberbullying and the continued defamatory behaviour by the soldier against Colonel IB Abdulkareem, and other personnel by Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye in the social media, especially TikTok.”
As a result, after thorough investigation by the Nigerian Army Military Police and Medical examination by both NA Medical Corps and the National Hospital, Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye was discharged from the Nigerian Army on health ground.
Although the ex-soldier did not serve up to pensionable years of service (10 years), she was discharged from the Nigerian Army and would receive 50 percent disability claim as well as 50 percent monthly pension for life.
It would be recalled that ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye had accused Colonel IB Abdulkareem, Col GS Igor and Brig Gen IB Solebo of maltreatment and to forcefully, medically board her as well as sexually harassing her.
According Gen Nwachukwu, “She has also been paid her Terminal Leave Allowance and Terminal Packing Allowance, as well as her contributions to Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS) and Benevolent Fund (BENFUND).
Adding that “The payments were made on 14th August 2024 into her FCMB account. Her Security Debarment Allowance for the period she served (5 years 54 days) has also been paid.
“The decision for her discharge was reached following her rejection of offer of medical treatment either from the National Hospital or the Nigerian Army.”
While exonerating Colonel Abdulkareem of wrong doing, the investigative panel didn’t only prove him to be innocent of all the allegations but maintained that “Colonel Abdulkareem is a disciplined, regimented, and firm officer who has upheld the values of the Nigerian Army throughout his service.”
It reiterated that the Nigerian Army as a professional force that is committed to the highest standards of discipline, integrity and accountability, and is guided by rules and regulations that ensure every officer and soldier operate within the framework of respect for human rights and due process.
“In line with this, the Army takes every accusation leveled against its personnel seriously and has established procedures to investigate any claim made against its personnel.
“The case of Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye, who claims to be a former subordinate of Colonel IB Abdulkareem at the Nigerian Army Medical Corps Headquarters in Lagos, is no exception to our commitment to due process.
“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 and tasked with conducting thorough investigation into the veracity of her claims.
“The investigation was conducted in line 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 IB Abdulkareem did not commit the offence of sexual harassment as alleged by Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye. The findings were definitive and based on objective evaluation of the available information. The Army maintains that Colonel Abdulkareem is a disciplined, regimented, and firm officer who has upheld the values of the Nigerian Army throughout his service.
Gen Nwachukwu while giving reasons for her discharge from the force further gave an insight, “Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022, but the Nigerian Army being sympathetic to its own, thought it wise to give her the best medical treatment possible, stabilize her before discharging her into the wider society.
“While the Army was addressing the allegations of sexual harassment, further concerns about Ruth Ogunleye’s conduct came to light. Her behaviour, both online and offline, raised questions about her worsening mental health and emotional stability.
“Consequently, the Nigerian Army referred Ex-Pte Ruth Ogunleye for medical evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja, following earlier assessments made by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps that suggested potential mental health concerns.
“This decision was taken to safeguard her well-being and to ensure that any action taken by the Nigerian Army was informed by a comprehensive understanding of her condition as advised by trained professionals.
Gen Nwachukwu reiterated that the medical evaluation confirmed that Ruth Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that made her medically vulnerable. In light of this, the Army, while 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 the advice of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, the decision was made to shelve any disciplinary procedures that could have been brought against her. Instead, the Army prioritized her health, understanding that she was in no position to continue with military service. She was subsequently boarded and discharged from service,” Army spokesperson further revealed.
The Nigerian Army stands firm in its commitment to maintaining discipline and order within its ranks. Colonel IB Abdulkareem is a dedicated officer who has served our nation with honour and distinction. While we remain committed to providing care and support to former personnel like Ex-Pte Ruth Ogunleye, we will not allow our personnel to be maligned or subjected to unwarranted attacks.
The Nigerian Army, therefore, stated that it operates with high standards of professionalism and takes the welfare of its personnel seriously as well as handle all allegations with the seriousness they deserve.
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