The Nigerian Army has broken its silence on allegations that some of its recently passed-out personnel attacked students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), saying it has launched a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the reported misconduct while insisting it has not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate rape allegations circulating on social media.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Ibrahim Yahaya, said the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo had constituted a Board of Inquiry following its earlier press release of June 30 to investigate all reported allegations of unprofessional conduct involving some recently graduated personnel.
The Army said any personnel found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation would be sanctioned in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws, stressing that it does not condone indiscipline among its ranks.
Addressing allegations of rape reportedly linked to comments attributed to the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Odunayo Clement Adebooye, the command said it had yet to receive any formal complaint, medical report or credible evidence from alleged victims, witnesses or the university management to support the claims.
“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 command cautioned against the circulation of unverified information capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation or escalating tensions, noting that the allegations remain unconfirmed in the absence of verifiable evidence.
It appealed to anyone with firsthand knowledge of the alleged incidents, including victims and eyewitnesses, to submit verifiable evidence such as videos, photographs, medical records or witness statements to the Board of Inquiry at the depot headquarters or through the Army Public Relations Office.
According to the Army, all information provided will be handled confidentially, with the identities and safety of informants protected in line with military and legal procedures, adding that credible evidence is essential to identifying and prosecuting anyone found responsible for wrongdoing.
The command also urged the media, the National Association of Nigerian Students, the management of Osun State University and the general public to refrain from spreading unverified information, warning that sensationalism and misinformation could undermine efforts to establish the truth and heighten anxiety among students and host communities.
Reaffirming its commitment to civil-military cooperation, the protection of students and respect for human rights, the Army said it would continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
