Ex-Soldier ‘Soja Boi’ Shares Alleged Pay Evidence, Challenges Army on Transparency

A former Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, widely known as “Soja Boi,” has publicly called on the Nigerian Army to release details of its payroll system, while presenting what he claims are records of payments received during his time in service. 

In a video circulated online on Tuesday, Olamilekan said his intention was not to discredit the military but to present what he described as factual information backed by evidence.

The dismissed lance corporal displayed several bank transaction alerts, which he alleged reflected his earnings while in uniform. One of the alerts, dated February 2, 2026, showed a credit of over N112,000, which he identified as his monthly salary. Another, dated February 4, 2026, indicated a N20,000 payment he described as an allowance, while a third alert from November 2025 showed a N45,000 credit he claimed was linked to operational duties in conflict areas.

He explained that certain allowances are conditional, noting that operational payments are only made when personnel are actively deployed. According to him, soldiers assigned to routine barracks duties typically receive only their base salary and limited allowances.

Olamilekan also repeated allegations that some personnel purchase personal protective equipment, such as helmets and body armour, with their own funds. He urged Nigerians with relatives in the military to verify his claims independently and challenged the Army to make its salary structure public.

However, the authenticity of the documents he presented has not been independently confirmed. While one of the alerts referenced a military-related description, others did not clearly indicate any official government source or include identifiable payroll markers.

In response to earlier claims by the ex-soldier, the Nigerian Army, through its spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anaele, dismissed the allegations as unfounded. The Army maintained that all necessary kits and protective gear are issued to personnel through official channels and that no soldier is deployed without adequate equipment.

It also stated that soldiers receive structured remuneration, including salaries and various allowances, which are paid directly into their bank accounts. The Army added that while some personnel may choose to acquire additional items, such decisions are voluntary.

Olamilekan first drew public attention in February 2026 after a viral video in which he urged political leaders to have their children enlist in the military. He was later arrested and subsequently dismissed from service over what the Army described as repeated disciplinary violations, including breaches of its social media policy.