The Nigerian Army has arrested and transferred a female soldier who publicly exposed sexual harassment within the military. The soldier, known as Ruth Ogunleye, raised concerns in a viral video about threats to her life from senior army officers due to her rejection of their sexual advances. She accused officers, including Col. I.B. Abdulkareem, Col. G.S. Ogor, and Brig. Gen. I.B. Solebo, of oppressing her since her posting to Cantonment Medical Centre, Ojo, Lagos in 2022.
Despite her efforts to seek justice through petitions and interventions from senior and junior officers, she faced eviction, false institutionalization in a psychiatric hospital, freezing of her bank account since February 2023, and denial of salary. She specifically accused Col. Abdulkareem of attempted rape, subsequent defamation by claiming she had a mental illness, and denial of access to military courses and passes to visit her parents.
Concerned Nigerians convener, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, condemned the arrest, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the soldier’s allegations. Adeyanju called for accountability and protection of the soldier’s rights, expressing concern over her safety. He urged the Nigerian Army to address the serious issues raised by the soldier and ensure justice for victims of sexual harassment within the armed forces.
Earlier investigations by YEPS had initiated an inquiry into the soldier’s maltreatment. In response, the army, through Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, claimed the soldier had not informed relevant bodies and institutions about her predicament before releasing the video.
