By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has cautioned members of the public against relying on or disseminating unverified allegations following a video circulated on TikTok by Ms Ruth Ogunleye, in which she made claims concerning the Commandant of the Academy, Major General OT Olatoye, and a staff member, Mr Abubakar Isah.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Njoka Irabor, said the matter involving Ogunleye and Isah was related to alleged social media infringement, adding that the Commandant was subsequently mentioned in what the Academy described as “false allegations and attempted defamation of character.”
The NDA said while it recognised the right of individuals to express their views and seek redress over legitimate grievances, such rights should be exercised through appropriate institutional and legal channels.
“The Academy cautions 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 statement said.
According to the Academy, as a premier military training institution, it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, integrity, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
It explained that complaints and grievances involving its personnel or activities are subject to established procedures and should be pursued through appropriate channels rather than being determined through social media publications.
The NDA further disclosed that it had commenced appropriate legal processes concerning the claims raised in the video, stressing that the matter would be left to the relevant authorities to determine in accordance with the law.
“The Nigerian Defence Academy remains committed to truth, professionalism, accountability, fairness and the rule of law and will continue to protect the integrity of the institution while respecting the rights of all parties to seek lawful redress,” the statement added.
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