In a heartbreaking update that has left fans and the entertainment community reeling, Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, known as Phyna, has announced the death of her younger sister, Ruth Otabor. The 21-year-old recent graduate of Auchi Polytechnic passed away early Sunday morning after weeks of battling life-threatening injuries from a tragic road accident involving a Dangote Group truck. Phyna, in an emotional Instagram post, shared the family’s sorrow with the words, “My Day Has Finally Turned To Dark…”, accompanied by an official statement from their solicitors, Eko Solicitors & Advocates.
The statement, signed by Justice Segun Ojienoh, confirmed Ruth’s passing at about 6:30 a.m. on August 31, 2025. “With a heavy heart, the family regrets to announce the passing on to glory of their daughter, sister, and mother on this 31st Day of August, 2025, at about 06:30Hrs,” it read. The family requested privacy during their grieving period, noting that funeral arrangements would be announced later. Ruth had been on life support at Lagoon Hospital in Lagos since the incident, suffering from severe complications including a right above-the-knee amputation, crushed reproductive organs, a burst bladder, fluid in the lungs, colostomy, tracheostomy, and multiple blood transfusions.
The accident occurred on August 13, 2025, near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State—just six days after Ruth’s graduation—when a heavy-duty Dangote Cement truck allegedly driven by an underage, unlicensed driver struck her, crushing her legs and causing extensive trauma. Phyna, 28, who won the BBNaija “Level Up” edition in 2022 with a ₦100 million prize, had been vocal in demanding justice, accusing the Dangote Group of negligence, backtracking on promises for overseas treatment (including to India), and attempting a cover-up with police involvement. She shared graphic updates on her sister’s deteriorating condition, including live sessions where she broke down, pleading for accountability and tagging Aliko Dangote and the company.
The #JusticeForRuth hashtag exploded on social media following the announcement, with thousands of posts expressing condolences and renewed outrage over road safety and corporate responsibility. “Rest in peace Ruth. Phyna, we’re here for you. This is devastating 💔 #JusticeForRuth,” one X user wrote, while another added, “Dangote trucks have claimed too many lives. When will it end? Prayers for the Otabor family.” Supporters, including BBNaija housemate Kaybobo, rallied with messages of solidarity: “We stand with Ruth, we stand with Phyna… #JusticeForRuth.” Social media critic VeryDarkMan (VDM) had earlier backed Phyna’s campaign but accused her of betrayal in negotiations, leading to a public feud that Phyna addressed with an apology amid her stress.
Dangote Group initially pledged full medical support and compensation, visiting the family and engaging authorities, but Phyna claimed they later ghosted her after transferring Ruth to Lagoon Hospital. On August 29, they responded positively to medical reports, promising to consider treatment options once Ruth was fit to travel, but it was too late. The company has not yet commented on Ruth’s death. Content creator Izzy Ogbeide called for a class-action lawsuit against Dangote, citing similar unreported incidents.
Phyna, who has faced personal and professional challenges since her BBNaija win, including a recent hospitalization amid the stress, reflected on her growth in a pre-death apology for past tweets: “My eyes have opened… To those I offended, I’m sorry.” Fans have urged compassion: “Phyna is human… Pray for her.” This tragedy underscores broader issues of road safety in Nigeria, where heavy trucks like Dangote’s have been linked to multiple fatalities, often with allegations of inadequate accountability.
As the nation mourns, the focus shifts to ensuring justice for Ruth and preventing future incidents. Condolences pour in for Phyna and her family during this dark time.
Tragic Loss: BBNaija Star Phyna Mourns Sister Ruth’s Death After Dangote Truck Accident – “My Day Has Finally Turned To Dark”
Lagos, Nigeria – August 31, 2025 – In a heartbreaking update that has left fans and the entertainment community reeling, Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, known as Phyna, has announced the death of her younger sister, Ruth Otabor. The 21-year-old recent graduate of Auchi Polytechnic passed away early Sunday morning after weeks of battling life-threatening injuries from a tragic road accident involving a Dangote Group truck. Phyna, in an emotional Instagram post, shared the family’s sorrow with the words, “My Day Has Finally Turned To Dark…”, accompanied by an official statement from their solicitors, Eko Solicitors & Advocates.
The statement, signed by Justice Segun Ojienoh, confirmed Ruth’s passing at about 6:30 a.m. on August 31, 2025. “With a heavy heart, the family regrets to announce the passing on to glory of their daughter, sister, and mother on this 31st Day of August, 2025, at about 06:30Hrs,” it read. The family requested privacy during their grieving period, noting that funeral arrangements would be announced later. Ruth had been on life support at Lagoon Hospital in Lagos since the incident, suffering from severe complications including a right above-the-knee amputation, crushed reproductive organs, a burst bladder, fluid in the lungs, colostomy, tracheostomy, and multiple blood transfusions.
The accident occurred on August 13, 2025, near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State—just six days after Ruth’s graduation—when a heavy-duty Dangote Cement truck allegedly driven by an underage, unlicensed driver struck her, crushing her legs and causing extensive trauma. Phyna, 28, who won the BBNaija “Level Up” edition in 2022 with a ₦100 million prize, had been vocal in demanding justice, accusing the Dangote Group of negligence, backtracking on promises for overseas treatment (including to India), and attempting a cover-up with police involvement. She shared graphic updates on her sister’s deteriorating condition, including live sessions where she broke down, pleading for accountability and tagging Aliko Dangote and the company.
The #JusticeForRuth hashtag exploded on social media following the announcement, with thousands of posts expressing condolences and renewed outrage over road safety and corporate responsibility. “Rest in peace Ruth. Phyna, we’re here for you. This is devastating 💔 #JusticeForRuth,” one X user wrote, while another added, “Dangote trucks have claimed too many lives. When will it end? Prayers for the Otabor family.” Supporters, including BBNaija housemate Kaybobo, rallied with messages of solidarity: “We stand with Ruth, we stand with Phyna… #JusticeForRuth.” Social media critic VeryDarkMan (VDM) had earlier backed Phyna’s campaign but accused her of betrayal in negotiations, leading to a public feud that Phyna addressed with an apology amid her stress.
Dangote Group initially pledged full medical support and compensation, visiting the family and engaging authorities, but Phyna claimed they later ghosted her after transferring Ruth to Lagoon Hospital. On August 29, they responded positively to medical reports, promising to consider treatment options once Ruth was fit to travel, but it was too late. The company has not yet commented on Ruth’s death. Content creator Izzy Ogbeide called for a class-action lawsuit against Dangote, citing similar unreported incidents.
Phyna, who has faced personal and professional challenges since her BBNaija win, including a recent hospitalization amid the stress, reflected on her growth in a pre-death apology for past tweets: “My eyes have opened… To those I offended, I’m sorry.” Fans have urged compassion: “Phyna is human… Pray for her.” This tragedy underscores broader issues of road safety in Nigeria, where heavy trucks like Dangote’s have been linked to multiple fatalities, often with allegations of inadequate accountability.
As the nation mourns, the focus shifts to ensuring justice for Ruth and preventing future incidents. Condolences pour in for Phyna and her family during this dark time.