The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, visited the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, in Abuja regarding the case of female soldier Ruth Ogunleye.
Ogunleye made serious allegations against her superiors, citing sexual advances, harassment, intimidation, and threats to her life. She brought attention to her plight through a viral video appealing for support.
In a statement by the Women Affairs Minister’s media aide, Mr Ohaeri Joseph, after the visit to the army chief on Friday, it was revealed that the minister was adequately updated on the efforts the army has put in place towards resolving the matter.
The statement mentioned that Ogunleye’s salary was paid up to December 2023, as confirmed with documented evidence.
The Women Affairs Ministry, mandated to promote the interests of women in Nigeria, received strong assurances from the Chief of Army Staff.
The minister interacted with Ogunleye and expressed optimism about a positive outcome. The statement emphasized the visit’s alignment with the ministry’s mandate to advocate for the interests of every woman in Nigeria.
About a week ago, the Nigerian Army had pledged to investigate the serious allegations made by the female soldier against some senior officers.
This incident follows previous cases, such as the burial of Lance Corporal Benjamin Collins in 2020, who was tortured to death by three senior officers at the Mogadishu Barracks, Abuja, in 2017.
The public has condemned such acts and called for thorough investigations, rejecting any attempts to cover up these issues.
