The Nigerian Army has discharged Private Ruth Ogunleye following her public accusations of sexual harassment against her superior, Colonel I.B Abdulkareem.

In January 2024, Ogunleye took to her TikTok account to call out Col. Abdulkareem, alongside Col. GS Ogor and Brigadier General I.B Solebo, for subjecting her to severe mistreatment.

This led the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, to order an investigation into the matter.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, revealed the investigation's findings.

"Upon receipt of her complaint, the Nigerian Army referred the matter to the Military Police for a thorough investigation. The investigation concluded that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem did not commit the alleged offences," he said.

Nwachukwu stated that the army discovered concerns about Ogunleye’s mental health.

"Medical evaluations at the National Hospital in Abuja confirmed that Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that made her medically vulnerable," Nwachukwu added.

He further noted that Ogunleye had previously requested discharge in 2022 on medical grounds; however, the army extended care to her before ultimately discharging her.

According to Nwachukwu, Ogunleye's conduct both online and offline raised further concerns, causing the Army to forgo disciplinary actions and discharge her on medical grounds.

He added that although she is ineligible for full pension entitlements, the Army awarded her a 50% monthly pension for life and other benefits.

As the news hit the internet, netizens criticised the army investigations.

@Oluwatoyinzoe: It is very difficult for her to win against her superior in the military

@Ay_lifted: If you understand the game in the military and paramilitary setting you will know she can never win against a superior officer. It's what it's.

@aduola_michael: This will deter others from speaking up! Too bad

@Iguodalajustice: What do you expect !!!! Corruption everywhere .. who did the investigation???

@_MarkusAudu: Discharged for speaking out ....our sad reality unfortunately...

@DonWalter50: It's obvious she can't win against a senior officer,.....even when the crime was committed... It's a pity

@ExcellentWilli4: In a country where corrupt is the order of the day
What do u expect???

@untolala: And she was discharged for saying the truth abi....

@ArEgbeCAthe: Welcome to Nigeria where speaking up is a crime