A former Nigerian soldier, Ruth Ogunleye, who was discharged after accusing senior officers of rape and sexual harassment, has released a video challenging her dismissal and the military’s handling of her case.
Ogunleye, who made her initial allegations via TikTok in January, accused a general and two colonels of sexual assault. Her claims sparked widespread outrage in Nigeria, prompting the women’s minister to discuss the case with the army chief.
In a new TikTok video, Ogunleye called for the military’s investigation to be made public. She detailed her alleged experiences, stating, “I came on social media to complain of how I was harassed, of how I was raped and how I was injected and put inside a casket.”
The Nigerian army, through spokesperson General Onyema Nwachukwu, dismissed Ogunleye’s allegations following an investigation. The military claimed she was discharged on medical grounds, citing an unspecified condition that makes her vulnerable.
Nwachukwu accused Ogunleye of “propagating false narratives” and “cyberbullying and defamation” against the accused officers. He stated that the investigation concluded Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, one of the accused, did not commit the alleged offenses.
However, women’s rights activists have called for an independent investigation. Hadiza Ado, founder of Women and Children Initiative, questioned the army’s transparency, telling the BBC, “The army is known for not wanting to wash its dirty linen in public.”
The case has reignited discussions about sexual harassment and assault within Nigeria’s military ranks, with activists pushing for greater accountability and protection for victims who come forward with allegations.
As the controversy continues, Ogunleye’s public challenge to the military’s decision highlights ongoing tensions between institutional practices and individual rights within Nigeria’s armed forces.
A bbc.com report
