NDA dismisses TikTok allegations against Commandant as false, starts legal process
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has dismissed unverified TikTok claims by Ruth Ogunleye that accuse NDA Commandant Major General O.T. Olatoye of involvement in an issue with staff member Abubakar Isah, describing the allegations as false and an attempt at character defamation.
In its statement on Saturday, the Academy said, “The attention of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has been drawn to a recent video circulating on TikTok by Ms Ruth Ogunleye, calling out Major General OT Olatoye the Commandant NDA over claims regarding an issue with a staff member of the Academy, Mr Abubakar Isah.”
It added that “the issue between them is related to social media infringement, but she chose to involve the Commandant through false allegations and attempted defamation of character.”
While acknowledging the right to express views, the NDA cautioned against “the publication and dissemination of unverified allegations, particularly where such publications have the potential to mislead members of the public or damage the reputation of individuals and established institutions.”
The Academy stressed that complaints involving its personnel “are subject to established procedures and are expected to be pursued through appropriate institutional and legal channels,” and that such matters “should be subjected to due process rather than determined through social media publications.”
The NDA confirmed it has moved beyond warnings, stating, “The Academy has commenced appropriate legal processes in relation to the claims and will allow the relevant authorities to determine the matter in accordance with the law.”
It closed by reaffirming its commitment to “truth, professionalism, accountability, fairness, and the rule of law” and its resolve to “protect the integrity of the institution while respecting the rights of all parties to seek lawful redress.”
Ruth Ogunleye, a former soldier discharged in 2024 on medical grounds, has continued to post accusations online after the Army previously cleared senior officers of her earlier sexual harassment claims.
Her latest posts have sparked mixed reactions, with some commenters calling for accountability and others urging her arrest over the allegations against the Commandant.
