By Adesakin Adefemi
The Nigerian Army has clarified that the dismissal of former soldier Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, was due to repeated acts of indiscipline and not his viral criticism of political leaders.
Olamilekan had stirred widespread reactions after a video surfaced in February 2026, in which he called on governors, senators and ministers to send their children to join the military, particularly at the lower ranks, to understand the realities faced by soldiers on the frontlines.
The Army, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, dismissed claims that he was punished for speaking out. “The Nigerian Army categorically states that Mr Olamilekan was not dismissed for ‘speaking the truth’ or expressing opinions on political leadership,” the statement read.
The statement explained that Olamilekan’s actions contravened several provisions of the Armed Forces Act, including unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation and misuse of military uniform.
The Army emphasised that it operates within clearly defined rules and regulations that guide the conduct of its personnel, and Olamilekan’s dismissal followed due process in line with military laws.
The statement further stressed that the Army remains committed to discipline, accountability and the welfare of its personnel, noting that operational decisions, including postings and deployments, are guided strictly by strategic considerations.
The public is urged to disregard contrary narratives, which the Army described as deliberate attempts to misinform and attract sympathy. “The public is requested to disregard these baseless allegations, which are clearly intended to misinform and seek to undermine public confidence in the military.
Olamilekan had gone viral in February 2026 after releasing a video in which he criticised the treatment of soldiers and challenged political officeholders to allow their children experience military service firsthand.
The Army’s statement came after Olamilekan maintained that his removal from service was connected to the viral video. “I was arrested and dismissed as a Nigerian soldier because of a video I made last year, where I called on politicians’ children to join the military,” he said.
The dismissed soldier had built a strong online following as a content creator, often sharing comedic and lifestyle videos while dressed in military attire. He also runs a clothing brand, Giran Wears, which focuses on customised streetwear.
