On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, just six days after her graduation from Auchi Polytechnic, Ruth Otabor, sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna, suffered a life-altering accident near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State. A heavy-duty truck linked to the Dangote Group crushed her leg before a bystander managed to stop it. The severity of her injuries forced the amputation of her leg, an outcome that triggered nationwide shock and sympathy.
Phyna, known for her bold presence and outspoken nature since winning BBNaija’s “Level Up” edition in 2022, immediately turned her platform toward demanding justice, condemning what she described as negligence, and pledging not to let the tragedy fade into obscurity.
Dangote Pledges Support For Victim
Following the accident, Dangote Group issued an official statement:
“Following the recent road accident in Auchi, Edo State, involving one of our trucks, which sadly resulted in injury to Mrs. Ruth Otabor, 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 at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State.
This action reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of those affected. We are ensuring full support for Mrs. Otabor, including comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation, in line with Dangote Group’s welfare policy.
Our thoughts remain with Mrs. Ruth Otabor and her loved ones, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.”
Five Major Incidents Involving Dangote Trucks
Nyanya Bridge Inferno, Abuja – March 19, 2025
A heavily loaded Dangote cement trailer lost control near Nyanya Bridge, crashing into stationary vehicles, igniting a devastating fire that engulfed 14 vehicles and claimed the lives of six victims.
Brake-Failure Crash, Epe – November 2024
A Dangote truck suffered brake failure while descending from Ita-Opo, colliding with a tricycle and a Toyota Camry at Ayetoro Junction. The crash killed three individuals, including two students from Manpower Technical School.
Alleged 20 Deaths, Imo State
A heavy-duty truck reportedly owned by Dangote rammed into three mini-buses at the Imo State University junction, killing at least 20 people.
Kugbo–Nyanya Incident, FCT – May 2025
A Dangote-linked truck (registration KPF 305 XA) reportedly had brake failure, colliding with a dispatch rider and a J5 bus along Kugbo–Nyanya expressway. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported—only three people sustained serious injuries.
Multiple Fatalities, Ibese–Itori Road, Ogun State – August 2022
A Dangote cement truck travelling along the Ibese–Itori road lost control and rammed into several vehicles and motorcycles. The impact killed seven people instantly and left many others injured, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety measures for heavy-duty vehicles.
Sanctions And Accountability Measures
Despite repeated tragedies linked to Dangote trucks, there is no public record of formal sanctions, such as government fines or regulatory penalties, specifically imposed on Dangote Group over these accidents.
In some cases, the company has denied ownership of trucks involved in fatal crashes, clarifying that they only carried Dangote-branded products. In other situations, police investigations have absolved the company of fault, attributing the accidents to mechanical failures or other factors.
Dangote has, however, partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish an articulated truck driving school aimed at improving driver training, as part of efforts to reduce road accidents involving its fleet.
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