‘Present Your Evidence’ – Army Debunks Report On Soldiers Raping Osun State University Students

The Headquarters, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has said it has yet to receive any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate allegations of rape levelled against some of its personnel during a recent incident involving students of the Osun State University.

Naija News reports that the Army made the clarification in a statement on Friday, signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, following what it described as the circulation of rape allegations on social media while a Board of Inquiry investigating alleged misconduct by some recently passed-out personnel continues its work.

The statement, which followed an earlier press release issued on June 30, 2026, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation into all allegations of unprofessional conduct.

“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,” the statement read.

Addressing the rape allegations circulating online, the Army said the claims were recently attributed to the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and amplified on social media platforms.

It, however, stated that no formal complaint had been received from any alleged victim, witness or the university management.

“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,” it said.

The Army urged members of the public to avoid making statements that could prejudice the ongoing investigation or escalate tensions.

It also appealed to anyone with relevant information to assist the Board of Inquiry by presenting evidence.

“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 statement added.

The Army further appealed to the media, the National Association of Nigerian Students, the management of Osun State University and the general public to refrain from spreading unverified information.

“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,” it said.

The Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo reiterated its commitment to civil-military cooperation, the protection of students and the promotion of human rights, adding that it would continue to update the public as the investigation progresses.