Army Seeks Evidence as Probe into Alleged Misconduct by Osogbo Personnel Continues

The Headquarters of Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into allegations of misconduct involving some recently passed-out military personnel, urging members of the public to provide credible evidence to aid the ongoing inquiry.

In a statement issued by the Major Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the Army said the Board of Inquiry constituted to investigate the allegations remains at work and has been directed to leave no stone unturned in establishing the facts.

The Army assured that any personnel found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws, stressing that indiscipline and unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated within its ranks.

The statement also addressed allegations of rape recently circulating on social media and reportedly attributed to the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye.

According to the Army, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has not received any formal complaint, medical report or credible evidence from any alleged victim, witness or the university management to substantiate the rape allegations against its personnel.

It noted that, in the absence of verifiable evidence, the allegations remain unconfirmed and warned against the spread of information capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation or inflaming public tensions.

The Army appealed to any alleged victims of assault or sexual misconduct, as well as eyewitnesses with verifiable information, including videos, photographs, medical records or witness statements, to present such evidence confidentially to the Board of Inquiry at the Depot Nigerian Army Headquarters in Osogbo or through the Army Public Relations Office.

It assured that the identities and safety of anyone providing information would be protected in accordance with military procedures and the law.

The Army also urged the media, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the management of Osun State University and the general public to refrain from spreading unverified information, warning that sensationalism and misinformation could undermine the search for truth and create unnecessary anxiety among students and host communities.

Reaffirming its commitment to civil-military cooperation, the protection of students and the promotion of human rights, the Depot Nigerian Army said it would continue to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.