Phyna’s Sister Ruth Otabor Reportedly Passes Away After Dangote Truck Accident

In a devastating turn of events, Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, has reportedly passed away following a horrific accident involving a Dangote Group truck. The tragic incident, which occurred on August 13, 2025, near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, left Ruth with life-altering injuries, including the amputation of one leg and severe damage to multiple organs. Despite medical efforts and public outcry for justice, reports indicate that Ruth succumbed to her injuries, leaving Phyna and her family in profound grief.

Ruth, a 21-year-old recent graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, was struck by a Dangote Cement truck just six days after celebrating her graduation. Eyewitnesses reported that the heavy-duty truck crushed her leg, leading to an above-the-knee amputation and severe injuries to her chest, pelvis, reproductive organs, and bladder. She was initially rushed to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital before being transferred to Lagoon Hospital in Lagos for advanced care. Phyna, known for her outspoken personality, took to social media to demand justice, accusing the Dangote Group of negligence and alleging attempts to cover up the incident.

The accident sparked widespread outrage, with the hashtag #JusticeForRuth trending across platforms like Instagram and X. Supporters, including celebrities like Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw and social media critic VeryDarkMan, rallied behind Phyna, calling for accountability from the Dangote Group and transparency from law enforcement. Posts on X captured the public’s grief, with users like @Yvonne_Godswill and @Mbahdeyforyou expressing heartbreak and demanding justice.

Dangote Group’s Response and Controversy

Following the accident, the Dangote Group issued a statement on August 14, 2025, confirming the incident and pledging full support for Ruth’s medical care and compensation. Senior officials and the company’s insurance team visited the accident scene and Ruth’s family at the hospital, emphasizing their “unwavering commitment to the well-being of those affected.” The company later promised to consider overseas treatment in India, contingent on Ruth being certified fit to travel.

However, Phyna accused the company of stalling and reneging on promises. In a viral Instagram post, she claimed that Dangote representatives stopped responding after requesting a comprehensive medical report, leaving Ruth on life support with a tracheostomy, colostomy, and external limb fixation. She further alleged that the company attempted to remove the truck’s license plate to obstruct justice, a claim echoed by VeryDarkMan and other supporters.

Adding fuel to the controversy, Nollywood actor Izutech challenged Phyna’s narrative, claiming Ruth was standing on the expressway arguing with another rider when the truck hit her. He disputed Phyna’s assertion that a bike rider involved in the accident had died, demanding transparency about the rider’s identity and hospital records. Despite these conflicting accounts, the public’s focus remained on Ruth’s critical condition and the family’s fight for justice.

Ruth’s Final Days and Phyna’s Heartbreak

On August 27, 2025, Phyna shared a distressing update, revealing that Ruth had been unconscious for days and was on life support at Lagoon Hospital. A 52-page medical report detailed the extent of her injuries, including a burst bladder and fluid in her lungs. Phyna’s emotional pleas for better treatment intensified, with demands that Ruth be flown to India for specialized care. “I am putting my sister as Dangote’s child, because if not, Dangote will not bring his child here; they will fly them abroad,” she stated in a viral video.

Tragically, reports surfaced on August 31, 2025, claiming that Ruth had passed away. The Student Union Government (SUG) president of Auchi Polytechnic shared the news on Instagram, posting a photo of Ruth with RIP and crying emojis. While Phyna has not officially confirmed the news, the report has sent shockwaves through her fanbase and the Nigerian entertainment community.

Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability

The news of Ruth’s reported death has reignited calls for accountability. Social media users, including @AyeeshaLiq and @phynation_, expressed frustration over the Dangote Group’s handling of the case, with some accusing the company of prioritizing profits over human lives. Content creator Izzy Ogbeide called for a class action lawsuit against the Dangote Group, citing similar incidents involving their trucks. Seun Kuti, a prominent musician, urged regulators to address the broader issue of truck driver oversight in Nigeria.

The public’s anger is compounded by Nigeria’s broader road safety challenges. X user @sleeky__ella highlighted the dangers of the Auchi area, noting that “schooling in Auchi and coming back alive is a great testimony.” Others, like @ChuksEricE, referenced multiple fatalities linked to Dangote trucks, underscoring a pattern of accidents that has fueled demands for stricter regulations.

Phyna’s Fight and Legacy of Resilience

Phyna’s journey from BBNaija fame to becoming a voice for her sister’s justice has resonated with millions. Her emotional posts, including an apology for past tweets amid the crisis, showcased her vulnerability and determination. “My eyes have opened, I’ve seen a lot this period. To those I offended with my old tweets, I’m sorry,” she wrote on X, reflecting on her growth during this ordeal.

Her clash with VeryDarkMan, who accused her of betrayal after she missed a legal meeting, highlighted the emotional toll of the situation. Phyna’s heartfelt apology to him underscored her reliance on community support to seek justice for Ruth. Despite these challenges, her resolve to hold the Dangote Group accountable never wavered, inspiring fans to rally under #JusticeForRuth and #RuthLifeMatters.

What’s Next: A Call for Change

Ruth Otabor’s reported passing is not just a personal tragedy for Phyna and her family but a stark reminder of Nigeria’s road safety crisis. The Dangote Group’s pledges of support, while initially promising, have been overshadowed by allegations of delays and insensitivity. As the nation mourns, the focus shifts to ensuring such tragedies are prevented in the future.

Advocates are calling for stricter regulations on heavy-duty vehicles, mandatory driver training, and transparent investigations into accidents. The #JusticeForRuth movement continues to gain traction, with Nigerians urging authorities to hold corporations accountable and prioritize human lives over corporate interests.

The loss of Ruth Otabor is a heartbreaking chapter in Phyna’s story, one that has united a nation in grief and outrage. As Phyna navigates this unimaginable loss, her fight for justice serves as a rallying cry for change. Ruth’s memory lives on through the love of her family and the voices demanding accountability. May her soul rest in peace, and may her story inspire reforms that prevent future tragedies.