The case of ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye brings to light concerns about treatment of female officers in the Nigerian military, and how their lives are affected even after service. ENE OSHABA explores the events that led to Ogunleye’s discharge, the Ministry’s response, and the broader implications on women’s rights within the military.
In January 2024, Ruth Ogunleye, a young female private in the Nigerian Army, made headlines when she publicly accused several senior officers, including Colonel. IB Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S. Ogor, and Brig. General I.B. Solebo, of sexual harassment, intimidation, and attempts to silence her through unlawful confinement.
She alleged that Col Abdulkareem, along with two other officers, made inappropriate advances towards her, which she rejected. According to Ogunleye, this rejection led to threats of dismissal, denial of promotion opportunities, and even an eviction from her apartment.
She also claimed she was forcibly confined to a psychiatric hospital as a means to silence her complaints.
In September 2024, the Nigerian Army announced her discharge on medical grounds, citing deteriorating mental health as a basis for the decision.
The Army Spokesperson declared that their internal investigation had found the accused officers innocent, effectively exonerating them.
However, Ogunleye has publicly disputed the findings, urging the Army to make the investigation results transparent to the public
Public outcry, calls for accountability
The dismissed private’s ordeal shed light on a disturbing trend within the Nigerian military, where accusations of sexual harassment and abuse are not adequately addressed.
In many cases, victims are subjected to retaliation, including wrongful discharge, confinement, and threats.
Women’s rights organisations have rallied behind Ogunleye, demanding justice and transparency from the Nigerian Army. Organizations such as the Nigerian Feminist Forum (NFF) and Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) have condemned these practices and called for an independent investigation into Ogunleye’s case and others like it.
According to WARDC’s Executive Director, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, “The military must be held accountable, and there must be a transparent process to ensure justice for victims. No woman should be treated as disposable because she speaks up against abuse.”
The National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) have also called for a public release of the investigative report to ensure accountability and uphold Ogunleye’s rights, arguing that the lack of transparency perpetuates a culture of silence and victim-blaming, making it difficult for other survivors to come forward.
The ministry’s involvement marks a significant step in the right direction, but several NGOs believe more needs to be done.
The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) has also shown solidarity with Ogunleye, emphasizing the importance of legal aid for victims of sexual harassment.
WRAPA has called on the government to expedite the establishment of mechanisms to protect female military personnel from abuse and ensure justice is served in such cases.
Also, Erasmus Ikhide, a social commentator, highlighted the plight of female soldiers in the Nigerian military, emphasizing that Ogunleye’s situation was not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of systemic issues.
He pointed out that many cases of sexual abuse and harassment within the military are often suppressed, and victims are stigmatised or labeled as having mental health issues to discredit their claims. Ikhide’s analysis has added momentum to the calls for greater transparency and accountability within the armed forces.
Plea for justice
Ogunleye continues to seek justice, voicing her concerns on social media platforms. She has repeatedly requested that the Nigerian Army publish the complete findings of the investigation into her allegations.
She believes that making the report public would not only validate her experiences but also serve as a deterrent against future misconduct.
Her plea underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women in male-dominated environments like the military, where power dynamics can stifle their voices.
Women Affairs intervenes
In response to Ogunleye’s situation, the Ministry of Women Affairs has outlined a multifaceted reintegration strategy. This plan involves vocational training in ICT, designed to empower her with skills for an online IT job.
Collaborating with the Office of the Special Adviser on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education, the ministry is also working to secure a scholarship for Ogunleye, enabling her to pursue nursing, a career she has long aspired to.
Apart from skill development, the ministry has initiated efforts to provide immediate financial assistance to Ogunleye.
During a recent meeting, the Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, presented her with a sum of N200,000 to support her.
The minister also urged Nigerians, NGOs, and philanthropists to extend love and care to Ogunleye, which would help expedite her emotional healing and reintegration into society
Reintegration efforts
Ex-Private Ogunleye’s case has drawn significant attention with the Ministry of Women Affairs stepping in to support her reintegration, highlighting the ongoing need for accountability and justice in such cases.
Ogunleye’s story has not only sparked public outrage but has also garnered attention from various advocacy groups, human rights organisations, and government institutions.
This is as the has pledged enhanced reintegration support for Ogunleye, aiming to ensure her transition back into civilian life is smooth and dignified.
Recognising the broader implications of the case, the ministry has outlined a comprehensive support plan that includes skill acquisition in information technology and the possibility of a scholarship to help her pursue her dream of becoming a professional nurse.
This intervention is part of a broader initiative to ensure women who have faced harassment and other forms of abuse can rebuild their lives with dignity
In a recent press release, the minister emphasized the ministry’s commitment to creating opportunities for the dismissed private to rebuild her life.
As part of this effort, the ministry has coordinated with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education (TVEE) to facilitate her training in Information Technology (IT).
The aim is to equip the ex-Private with skills that would enable her to secure employment or start her own business in the IT sector.
Additionally, the ministry is pursuing a scholarship to help Ogunleye achieve her dream of becoming a professional nurse.
Broader implications for military, women’s rights
The case of ex-Private Ogunleye highlights systemic issues within the military structure that can hinder justice for women. Advocacy groups have called for a review of existing policies on harassment and mental health within the armed forces, stressing the need for independent bodies to handle such investigations.
There is a broad consensus that ensuring a safe working environment for women in the military is crucial for the overall well-being and efficiency of the armed forces.
Kenedy-Ohaneye has expressed determination to see this case become a catalyst for change.
She noted that the ministry would continue to work closely with relevant authorities, including the military, to address issues related to gender-based harassment and ensure that Ogunleye receives the necessary support.
“The ministry’s efforts to create an enabling environment for Ogunleye are part of a larger agenda to support women facing similar struggles across various sectors,” she said.
New beginning
The ministry’s actions signify a broader attempt to address the gaps in support for female military personnel who encounter similar situations.
Reintegration, especially for individuals who have been victims of harassment or abuse, requires not only financial aid but also emotional and psychological support.
By focusing on technical training and professional education, the ministry hopes to empower Ogunleye to regain her independence and self-confidence.
Furthermore, the ministry’s call for public support, through financial aid and other means, has drawn attention to the need for a collective societal effort to rehabilitate and reintegrate victims of such abuses.
Calls for legal reforms
The treatment of ex-Private Ogunleye has ignited discussions about the need for legal reforms to protect female personnel in the Nigerian military.
Activists have argued that there should be stricter penalties for sexual harassment and assault within the armed forces, as well as more robust mechanisms for reporting and investigating such incidents.
The lack of a clear and independent investigative process often leads to cover-ups, as seen in Ruth’s case.
Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urged the Nigerian government to review the military’s handling of sexual harassment claims and implement reforms that will ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
It is also believed that for lasting change, legislative action is necessary. There should be clear laws that outline the procedures for handling sexual harassment cases in the military, ensuring that victims are protected, and that there are consequences for those found guilty of misconduct.
“Lawmakers must work closely with advocacy groups, legal experts, and the military to develop a framework that addresses the unique challenges faced by female soldiers,’ he added.
The case of ex-Private Ogunleye is a stark reminder of the systemic issues that plague the Nigerian military, especially concerning the treatment of female personnel.
While the ministry of women affairs’ commitment to supporting Ruth’s reintegration is commendable, there is a need for broader reforms to address the root causes of these issues.
Ikhide lauded Ogunleye’s courage to speak out, leading to a national conversation, one that should lead to concrete actions to protect the rights of female soldiers and ensure justice for victims of abuse, urging the Nigerian military must take this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to accountability, transparency, and the welfare of all its personnel.
Military reacts
The Nigerian Army’s response to the allegations has been to maintain that Ogunleye was discharged on medical grounds, a claim she disputes.
Despite assurances that Col. Abdulkareem was cleared of any wrongdoing, the dismissed private asserts that no proper investigation was conducted, and she was never given an opportunity to present her case before an independent panel.
The military’s stance has drawn criticism from various human rights groups who accuse the institution of protecting senior officers at the expense of justice for victims.
Pattern of silencing victims?
Ogunleye’s case is reminiscent of several other instances where female soldiers have faced severe consequences after accusing senior officers of sexual misconduct.
One such case is that of Beauty Uzezi, a former Airwoman, who alleged she was drugged, tortured, and raped by a senior officer.
Despite securing a favourable judgment from the ECOWAS Court, Uzezi’s case did not lead to any action against the accused officer.
Such patterns suggest a systemic issue within the armed forces, where victims are silenced, and accused officers are shielded from accountability.
Civil society organisations have been at the forefront of advocating for justice in Ruth’s case. Groups such as WARDC and the NFF have launched campaigns to raise awareness about the challenges female soldiers face and the need for institutional reforms.
They have also called on the government to set up a task force that will specifically address cases of sexual harassment and abuse within the military, ensuring that victims are protected and perpetrators are punished.
The initiative by the Ministry of Women Affairs to enhance reintegration support for Ogunleye is a crucial step toward healing. Reintegration programmes that include skills training, education, and psychological support can significantly improve the quality of life for victims of abuse.
By partnering with other government agencies, the ministry aims to provide Ogunleye with the tools she needs to overcome her traumatic experiences and build a successful future.
The ministry has also appealed to philanthropists, NGOs, and the general public to extend their support to Ruth. Financial aid, job opportunities, and educational sponsorships are essential components of successful reintegration.
“Offering emotional support through counseling services can help victims like Ogunleye navigate the complexities of life after such traumatic experiences,” said the minister.
Need for independent investigation
There have been growing calls for an independent investigation into Ogunleye’s allegations against senior military officers. Advocacy groups believe that an impartial probe will not only provide justice for Ogunleye but also deter future incidents of abuse.
They argue that the military cannot be trusted to investigate itself, as this would likely lead to further cover-ups.
President Bola Tinubu has been urged to intervene and ensure that the case is handled transparently, with findings made public.
According to the gender experts, Ogunleye’s case highlights the broader challenges that women face in the military.
Notwithstanding their significant contributions, female soldiers often encounter gender-based discrimination, harassment, and abuse.
Ikhide stressed that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive review of military policies, training programmes that promote gender sensitivity, and a culture shift that empowers women to speak out without fear of retribution.
Path forward
As ex-Private Ogunleye navigates her way forward, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight against harassment, intimidation, and injustice in Nigeria.
The efforts by the Ministry of Women Affairs, coupled with the support of advocacy groups, underscore a collective commitment to ensure that no woman feels powerless in the face of such challenges.
However, achieving real change will require continued pressure on institutions to uphold accountability and transparency, so that cases like Ogunleye’s are addressed with the seriousness they deserve.