Reality TV star Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor is grieving a devastating loss following a tragic road accident involving her younger sister, Ruth Otabor.
The accident, which occurred on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, left Ruth with life-threatening injuries that led to the amputation of her left leg.
The family confirmed the heartbreaking development via an official statement released through their solicitors.
Ruth, affectionately known as “Ruth Otabor,” had just celebrated her graduation from Auchi Polytechnic—a milestone turned nightmare when she was struck by a heavy-duty truck belonging to Dangote Cement Plc near the school premises.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the truck crushed her leg before a bystander intervened to stop the vehicle .
Ruth was immediately rushed to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State, where doctors had no choice but to amputate her left leg to save her life.
Medical staff also raised grave concerns that her remaining leg could still be at risk .
Upon learning of the incident, Phyna took to social media—particularly Instagram and X—to voice her anguish and demand justice.
She tirelessly accused both the Dangote Group and the Nigerian police of attempting to conceal critical details, including the removal of the truck’s license plate from the scene.
In a particularly emotional post, she wrote, “Na money you get, you no be God.
But my God is bigger. Enough is enough,” a sentiment that resonated widely online.
Amid mounting public outrage, Dangote Group released a formal statement on August 14, 2025, acknowledging that one of its trucks was involved in the accident.
The company stated that senior officials and its insurance team had promptly visited the accident scene, coordinated with law enforcement, and met with Ruth and her family at the hospital.
The statement pledged comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation in line with the group’s welfare policy, closing with the words:
“Our thoughts remain with Mrs. Ruth Otabor and her loved ones, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.”
But Phyna did not let the matter rest there. She publicly corrected Dangote’s address of her sister as “Mrs. Ruth Otabor,” insisting instead that Ruth is unmarried, raising questions about the accuracy of their narrative .
She further criticized what she termed the company’s attempt to use the situation as “content,” alleging that hospital visits by staff were being staged and shared online without consent .
The incident sparked an immediate and overwhelming wave of support on social media. Celebrities like Kate Henshaw joined Phyna’s call for justice, condemning alleged obstruction of access to crucial evidence and the family’s right to information.
Bystanders and activists demanded transparent investigation, citing the frequent dangers posed by truck drivers in the Auchi area, where safety standards and enforcement have long been under scrutiny.
Hashtags such as #JusticeForRuth began trending across platforms.
According to reports, the truck driver—allegedly underage and unlicensed—has been charged and pleaded guilty to most counts brought against him.
The case is pending, with a court hearing scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2025 .
Phyna, whose real name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, rose to national prominence after winning Big Brother Naija Season 7 (“Level Up”) in 2022.
Her commanding personality and talent earned her a ₦100 million prize and lasting stardom in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape .
This incident isn’t just a personal tragedy—it shines a harsh light on broader systemic issues.
Heavy-duty truck crashes are increasingly common, particularly in poorly regulated zones like Auchi, where enforcement of licensing and road safety norms is inconsistent at best .
Advocates are urging the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other regulatory bodies to tighten checks on truck operations, enforce licensing standards, and prioritize public safety over profit and expediency.
