How Phyna’s Sister, Ruth Otabor, Died After Leg Amputation

The family of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has been thrown into mourning following the death of her younger sister, Ruth Otabor.

Ruth passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m., weeks after she was involved in a tragic accident in Auchi, Edo State. 

Her death was confirmed in a statement issued by Eko Solicitors & Advocates on behalf of the family and later shared by Phyna on her Instagram handle.

“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 statement read. The family also requested privacy while they grieve, adding that burial arrangements would be announced in due course.

Ruth’s death came just over two weeks after she was hit by a truck linked to the Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic, an incident that left her critically injured.

Ruth’s Condition Before Her Passing

Before her death, Phyna had repeatedly taken to Instagram Live to cry out about the worsening health of her sister and delays in her evacuation abroad for treatment.

She revealed that beyond her amputated leg, Ruth had suffered extensive internal injuries that left her in a fragile condition.

“Her lungs have fluid. Her reproductive organ is crushed. Her bladder is busted. We are praying every day for her to get to the next day. And you’re trying to outsmart me… I cannot use my sister’s life to gamble,” Phyna lamented.

In another video, she criticized the perceived delays in getting swift medical intervention for Ruth. 

 “If Dangote’s child is sick, do they wait for medical reports to say she cannot be treated in Nigeria before flying her out? Why then are they stressing me? My sister’s lungs have fluid, her bladder is busted, and her reproductive organ is crushed. We are praying for her to survive each day, and they are wasting precious time with paperwork. This is heartbreaking.”

Family’s Reaction to Her Death

Confirming the sad development, the family expressed heartbreak at the loss, describing Ruth as not just a daughter and sister but also a loving mother.

“The family is presently grieving and will appreciate being given a private moment to mourn the departed. The funeral arrangement will be communicated to the public in due course,” the family said in their statement.

Relatives also shared memories of Ruth, recalling her warmth and affectionate nature. A family source told reporters:

“We will miss her. We had thought she would survive after she started recuperating. She was very loving to be with. We used to call her Bobo, which was her nickname.”

Dangote Group’s Position

Following the accident, Dangote Group had taken responsibility for Ruth’s medical expenses, stating that it was committed to her care in line with its welfare policy.

After her passing, representatives of the company were contacted and reportedly evacuated her remains to the mortuary. A family source disclosed that they expect the company to also handle her burial expenses.

The group, in earlier statements, noted that its team engaged with law enforcement officials, visited the accident scene, and supported the family during her treatment. It pledged full medical assistance and compensation while investigations into the incident continue.

Ruth Otabor’s death closes a heartbreaking chapter for the Otabor family, who had held on to hope despite her critical condition. 

For many, her story also raises renewed conversations about emergency medical responses, corporate accountability, and the need for urgent reform in Nigeria’s  road safety systems.