Osogbo Army Depot Demands Evidence for UNIOSUN Misconduct Claims

The Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo has stated that it has yet to receive any formal complaints or verifiable evidence concerning rape allegations reportedly linked to some of its recently graduated personnel. Despite this, the Army reaffirmed its commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation into all allegations of misconduct.

In a press release issued on Friday, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, confirmed that the Board of Inquiry previously established to investigate these claims remains active. The military emphasized its dedication, stating, “The Nigerian Army and by extension Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, remains fully committed to a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into all allegations of unprofessional conduct. The Board of Inquiry earlier constituted is ongoing and will leave no stone unturned.”

The statement further clarified that any personnel found guilty would face appropriate disciplinary action under the Armed Forces Act and other existing laws, stressing the Army’s professional conduct and zero tolerance for indiscipline.

Addressing the specific rape allegations that have gained traction on social media, the Army noted that these claims have not been officially reported to the relevant authorities. “At this time, 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 claim of rape by our personnel,” the statement read.

The military observed that the allegations were initially attributed to Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, and subsequently widely shared across various social media platforms. “In the absence of such concrete evidence, we view the widespread circulation of this specific allegation as unconfirmed and potentially misleading to the public,” the Army asserted.

The military urged the public to avoid actions that could jeopardize the ongoing investigation. “We therefore urge all parties to refrain from actions or statements that may prejudice the ongoing investigation or inflame tensions,” the statement advised.

A direct appeal was made to alleged victims and witnesses, encouraging them to present their evidence. “You are kindly requested to come forward and present your evidence directly and confidentially to the Board of Inquiry at the Headquarters, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, or through the Army Public Relations Office. Your identity and safety will be protected in line with military and legal procedures. This is the only credible path to identifying and prosecuting the culprits if they exist,” the Army assured.

The statement also called upon the Media, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), University Management, and the general public to refrain from spreading unverified information, cautioning that “sensationalism and disinformation only hinder the search for truth and can cause unnecessary panic among students and host communities.”

Reiterating its stance, the Depot Nigerian Army underscored its commitment to fostering civil-military cooperation, ensuring the safety of students, and upholding human rights. It pledged to provide regular updates as the investigation progresses.

This statement comes in the wake of allegations made by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, against some personnel of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo. In response to these claims, the Army had, on June 30, announced the commencement of an investigation to “ascertain the facts of the incident and bring perpetrators to justice,” also inviting NANS to submit “all evidence and witness statements” and promising that “any personnel found guilty will face the full weight of military law.”