Army invites assault victims to testify over alleged misconduct by soldiers at UNIOSUN

The Nigerian Army has called on anyone allegedly assaulted by its personnel at the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, to come forward with evidence as investigations into allegations of misconduct by recently passed-out soldiers continue.

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

The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, made this known via a statement issued on Friday, July 3, 2026.

The newly recruited soldiers were alleged to have assaulted some Osun State University (UNIOSUN) students, triggering a protest in the state capital.

Yahaya, however, said the army had 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.

Yahaya, who reaffirmed the army’s commitment to conducting a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the allegations, said the Board of Inquiry constituted to investigate the alleged misconduct remains at work and “will leave no stone unturned.”

He assured that any personnel found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in line with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws, stressing that it does not condone indiscipline.

He stated: “Commandant has taken note of rape allegations recently attributed to the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye and amplified on social media platforms.

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“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.

“In the absence of such concrete evidence, we view the widespread circulation of this specific allegation as unconfirmed and potentially misleading to the public. We therefore urge all parties to refrain from actions or statements that may prejudice the ongoing investigation or inflame tensions.

“We therefore make a direct appeal to any alleged victim(s) of assault or sexual misconduct; and any eyewitness(es) with verifiable information, including videos, photographs, medical records, or statements.

“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.”

Yahaya further appealed to the media, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the university management, and the general public to refrain from spreading unverified information, warning that sensationalism and disinformation could undermine efforts to establish the truth and create unnecessary panic among students and host communities.