NIGERIA: Phyna Loses Sister, Ruth Otabor, Weeks After Accident

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna, Ruth Otabor, has passed away.

The family confirmed her death on Sunday through a statement issued by Eko Solicitors & Advocates, announcing that Ruth died in the early hours of Sunday, at about 6:30 a.m.

The statement read: “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.”

The family, while mourning the tragic loss, appealed for privacy.

“The family is presently grieving and will appreciate to be given a private moment to mourn the departed,” it added, noting that funeral arrangements would be communicated to the public in due course.

Ruth’s death comes just weeks after she survived a horrific road accident near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, on August 13, 2025.

The accident, involving a truck reportedly linked to the Dangote Group, left her with severe injuries that led to a leg amputation. Eyewitnesses recounted how the heavy-duty vehicle crushed her leg before being stopped by a bystander.

Tragically, the incident occurred only six days after Ruth had graduated from Auchi Polytechnic, marking what should have been the start of a new chapter in her life.

Her sudden death has left not just her family, but fans and well-wishers of Phyna in deep shock and mourning.