The Nigerian Army, through its spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, addressed allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation made by former soldier Ruth Ogunleye against Colonel Ishiaku Abdulkareem. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Nwachukwu clarified that a thorough investigation conducted by the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police had cleared Colonel Abdulkareem of any wrongdoing.
He emphasized that while the Army empathizes with Ruth Ogunleye’s medical condition, they cannot tolerate defamatory accusations, especially when they are baseless. He stressed that Colonel Abdulkareem is a dedicated officer who has served honorably and that the Army had taken all necessary steps to address the matter appropriately. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline and providing care for former personnel but warned against attempts to malign its officers unjustly.
He said in a live coverage by Symfoni from 11:15, “It is important to state unequivocally that the Nigerian Army will not tolerate the defamation of its officers, particularly when it is based on falsehood and driven by ulterior motives.While we remain empathetic to ex-private Ruth’s medical condition, we must categorically reject the continued defamation of Colonel Abdulkareem and the denigration of the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army has done everything within its power to address her concerns through the appropriate channels, and investigative findings have cleared Colonel Abdulkareem of any wrongdoing.
We caution the public to treat her allegations as baseless and without merit, given her established condition. 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 honor and distinction. While we are committed to providing care and support to former personnel like ex-private Ruth, we will not allow our personnel to be maligned or subjected to unwarranted attacks.”