In a heartbreaking development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s entertainment and social media circles, Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, has reportedly passed away following severe injuries sustained in a road accident involving a Dangote Group truck. The incident, which occurred on August 13, 2025, near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, has escalated from a call for justice to a national tragedy, reigniting debates on road safety, corporate accountability, and the perils of heavy-duty vehicles on Nigerian highways.
Ruth, who had celebrated her graduation from Auchi Polytechnic just six days prior to the accident, was struck by the cement-laden truck, resulting in catastrophic injuries. Eyewitness accounts describe the vehicle crushing her leg, with the driver allegedly fleeing the scene before being apprehended by a pursuing lecturer. Initial reports confirmed the amputation of her left leg from the pelvic region, alongside severe damage to her head, hands, chest, pelvis, reproductive organs, bladder, and lungs. She underwent multiple procedures, including a colostomy, tracheostomy, and external fixation of her remaining limb, and was placed on life support at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital before being transferred to Lagoon Hospital in Lagos for advanced care.
Phyna, known for her bold personality and vocal advocacy since winning the BBNaija “Level Up” edition in 2022 with a ₦100 million prize, immediately took to social media to demand justice. In emotional Instagram posts, she accused the Dangote Group of negligence, alleging that company representatives instructed police to remove the truck’s license plate and prioritized meetings over visiting her sister. “From all that has happened, you decided to rather tell the Nigerian police to remove the plate number on the truck that crushed my sister… What happened to seeing my sister first? Na money you get, you no be God. But my God is bigger,” Phyna wrote, tagging billionaire Aliko Dangote and the company.
The accident sparked widespread outrage, with celebrities like Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw and social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) amplifying calls for accountability under the trending hashtag #JusticeForRuth. Henshaw urged the Nigerian Police Force to ensure transparency, while VDM accused the company and authorities of a cover-up. Public sentiment on platforms like X highlighted the dangers of Dangote trucks, citing multiple past incidents, including fatal crashes in Nyanya, Ayetoro, and Ogun State that claimed dozens of lives over the past five years. Critics pointed to issues like unlicensed drivers, brake failures, and inadequate safety enforcement as recurring problems.
The Dangote Group responded swiftly to the initial outcry with a statement on August 14, expressing condolences and committing to full medical support and compensation. “Senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, together with our Insurance team, promptly visited the scene, engaged with law enforcement authorities, and visited the victim and her family… We are ensuring full support for Mrs. Otabor, including comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation,” the release stated. However, Phyna later alleged delays in promised overseas treatment and accused the company of stalling, further fueling tensions. As of late August, she had even apologized for past social media posts amid the ongoing battle, stating her “eyes have opened” to life’s harsh realities.
The news of Ruth’s death broke earlier today via an Instagram story from the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of Auchi Polytechnic, confirming the devastating outcome after weeks of critical care. Social media erupted with tributes, with users expressing sorrow and renewed demands for justice. “This is so sad 💔,” posted one user on X, while others called for stricter regulations on trucking companies. Conflicting narratives have emerged, including claims from Nollywood actor Izutech that Ruth was standing on the road arguing when hit and that a involved motorcyclist is alive, contrary to some reports—though these remain unverified amid the grief.
Phyna has not yet publicly confirmed the news, but sources close to the family indicate she is devastated. The incident underscores broader concerns about road safety in Nigeria, where heavy trucks like those operated by Dangote have been linked to numerous fatalities due to poor maintenance and reckless driving. Advocacy groups are calling for an independent investigation, with some urging the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to enforce stricter measures, including mandatory driver training programs that Dangote has previously partnered on.
As the nation mourns, the focus now shifts to ensuring accountability and preventing future tragedies. May Ruth Otabor’s soul rest in peace.