The ongoing confrontation between the Nigerian Army and a dismissed soldier popularly known as ‘Soja Boi’ has reached a fever pitch as ‘Soja Boi’ Challenges Army to release payroll data to disprove his claims of financial exploitation. In a series of defiant social media updates and interviews on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the former soldier, whose real name is Martins Otse, challenged the military high command to make its official payment records public if they wish to sustain their denial of his allegations.
This development follows a formal statement by the Nigerian Army labeling the dismissed personnel as a fraudster and an impersonator who was never a legitimate member of the force, a claim that the soldier has now moved to dismantle with physical evidence.
To back his claims of service and subsequent financial mistreatment, the dismissed soldier has produced various bank statements and payment receipts which he asserts are direct evidence of his monthly stipends from the military. He noted that the Army’s attempt to distance itself from him is a “poorly scripted” cover up for the systemic corruption involving the diversion of soldiers’ salaries and operational allowances.
By stating that Soja Boi dares Army to release payroll records, he is banking on the transparency of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to reveal whether his name and biometric details were indeed on the federal payroll during his period of service. He insisted that if the military is confident in its position, it should have no hesitation in displaying the verified list of active and dismissed personnel.
READ ALSO: EFCC Declares Osinachi Daniel Wanted Over Multi Million Naira Fraud
The controversy began when the soldier took to digital platforms to lament the non payment of his benefits and the illegal deductions made from his meager salary while serving in high risk zones. The Nigerian Army, through its spokesperson, had earlier dismissed these allegations as the “rants of a criminal element” seeking to tarnish the image of the institution.
However, the dismissed soldier argued that his dismissal was a result of his refusal to remain silent about the welfare of his colleagues. He claimed that many soldiers are currently suffering in silence due to the fear of court martial, but he has chosen to be the voice of the voiceless regardless of the personal consequences.
Beyond the salary claims, the former soldier provided specific details of his service history, including his recruitment number and the units he was attached to during his tenure. He challenged the Army to explain how an “impersonator” could have access to restricted military facilities and participate in field operations if he was truly not a member of the force.
He further alleged that the military’s reactive stance is a sign of panic, as his revelations threaten to expose the deep seated corruption within the administrative arm of the defense headquarters. He urged the National Assembly and the Minister of Defence to intervene and order an independent audit of the military’s financial records.
As the public debate intensifies, the Nigerian Army has yet to respond to this latest challenge to release its payroll. Legal experts suggest that if the matter proceeds to court, the burden of proof will shift to the military to justify its claims of impersonation against the documentary evidence presented by the dismissed soldier.
For now, the standoff remains a significant point of discussion regarding accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s security agencies. The dismissed soldier maintained that he is ready to face any legal consequences as long as the truth about the welfare of the Nigerian troops is brought to the global stage.