The Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo has denied receiving any formal complaint or credible evidence to support allegations that some of its recently passed-out personnel raped students, while reaffirming that an ongoing investigation into claims of misconduct involving its personnel would be comprehensive and transparent.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, said the military remains committed to uncovering the truth through the Board of Inquiry already established to investigate allegations of unprofessional conduct.
According to the statement, the inquiry will be conducted impartially and thoroughly to ensure that anyone found guilty is held accountable.
“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 read.
The Army stressed that any personnel found culpable would face disciplinary action in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable laws, insisting that indiscipline would not be tolerated within its ranks.
Responding specifically to allegations of rape circulating on social media, the military said no official report had been made to the Army by any alleged victim, witness or the management of the affected university.
“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 said.
The Army noted that the allegation had been attributed to the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, before gaining widespread attention on social media.
It, however, maintained that without verifiable evidence, the allegation remains unconfirmed and cautioned against treating unverified claims as facts.
“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 statement added.
The military appealed to stakeholders and members of the public to avoid comments or actions capable of compromising the ongoing investigation or escalating tensions.
It also called on anyone with firsthand knowledge of the incident, including alleged victims and witnesses, to provide information directly to the Board of Inquiry at the Headquarters of the Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo or through the Army Public Relations Office.
The statement assured potential witnesses that their identities and safety would be protected in line with military procedures and existing legal provisions.
“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 stated.
The Depot Nigerian Army further urged the media, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the management of the university and the general public to avoid spreading unverified information, warning that misinformation and sensational reporting could obstruct efforts to establish the facts and create unnecessary anxiety among students and residents.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the Army said it would continue to strengthen civil-military relations, protect the rights of students and uphold human rights while providing updates as the investigation progresses.
Some of the unidentified fresh graduates of the Depot were recently accused of assaulting students of the Osun State University when they allegedly stormed their off-campus hostel early in the week.
