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Headquarters of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has dismissed as unverified the rape allegations currently circulating on social media against some of its recently passed-out personnel, saying no formal complaint or credible evidence has been received to support the claims.
The Army, however, reaffirmed that its ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct involving the personnel would be thorough, transparent and impartial, warning that anyone found guilty would face disciplinary action in line with the law.
In a follow-up statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the Army said the update became necessary following recent developments in the public space after its initial statement of June 30, 2026.
According to the statement, the Board of Inquiry earlier constituted to investigate the allegations is still carrying out its assignment.
“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. Any personnel found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws. The Army remain professional and does not condone indiscipline.”
Addressing the rape allegations allegedly attributed to the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, the Army said it had yet to receive any official complaint from victims, witnesses or the university 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 Army added that in the absence of verifiable evidence, the allegation should be regarded as unconfirmed and cautioned against spreading information capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation.
“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.”
The military authorities also appealed to anyone with firsthand knowledge of the incident to assist the investigation by providing useful information.
“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.”
The Army further urged the media, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the management of Osun State University and members of the public to avoid circulating unverified information, warning that misinformation could undermine efforts to establish the facts.
“We appeal to the Media, NANS, University Management and the general public to avoid the spread of unverified information. Sensationalism and disinformation only hinder the search for truth and can cause unnecessary panic among students and host communities.”
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, to civil-military cooperation, the protection of students and the promotion of human rights, assuring that the public would be updated as investigations progress.
