Dangote Group Evacuates Body of Phyna’s Late Sister

The tragic passing of Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna, has left her family, friends, and supporters across Nigeria in shock. On Sunday morning, representatives of the Dangote Group evacuated Ruth’s remains from the hospital where she died, marking a heartbreaking conclusion to an ordeal that began weeks ago with a devastating road accident.

Ruth, a young woman described by her family as cheerful and affectionate, had been fighting for her life after being struck by a truck linked to the Dangote Group. The incident occurred near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State. Witnesses recounted that the heavy-duty vehicle hit her and crushed her leg. In the chaos that followed, bystanders managed to chase down the truck and bring it to a stop. Unfortunately, the injuries Ruth sustained were severe, and she eventually underwent a leg amputation in a bid to save her life.

For a time, her family and loved ones held onto hope. Reports suggested she was beginning to recuperate after the operation, sparking optimism that she might survive the ordeal. However, that hope was cut short on Sunday, August 31, 2025, when Ruth passed away at about 6:30 in the morning. Her death was confirmed in a statement released by the family through their legal representatives, Eko Solicitors & Advocates. “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 06:30 hours,” the statement read.

The family further expressed that they are in deep mourning and requested privacy during this period of grief. “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 statement added.

Following the announcement of her death, a family source revealed that the Dangote Group was immediately notified. Representatives of the company reportedly arrived soon after and took Ruth’s body to the mortuary. The family expressed hope that since the company had previously stepped in to cover her medical expenses, they would also take responsibility for the cost of her burial. “When she died this morning, the representatives of Dangote Group were contacted and notified. They later came and took the corpse to the mortuary. We are expecting that they take over the expenses of her burial, since they had stepped in to take over her medical expenses,” the source said.

Another grieving relative, who preferred not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the mourning period, spoke fondly about Ruth. They described her as someone who brought joy and warmth to those around her. “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. She stayed with her parents at Ketu-Alapere from where they often visited our family house in Omojua Estate, Kosofe,” the relative said, holding back tears.

Ruth’s death has sparked wider conversations about road safety and accountability in Nigeria. Eyewitnesses who spoke with journalists said the incident could have been avoided, as the truck appeared to be moving recklessly before it struck her. For them, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter safety measures on Nigerian roads, especially when it comes to heavy-duty vehicles that often cause fatal accidents.

Phyna, the reality star whose real name is Ijeoma Otabor, had been vocal during her sister’s treatment. She had appealed for Ruth to be flown abroad, specifically to India, for further medical attention. Phyna’s demand reflected both the family’s desperation to save Ruth’s life and their lack of confidence in local medical resources to handle such severe injuries. Unfortunately, Ruth’s condition deteriorated before such plans could materialize.

The Dangote Group, for its part, had acknowledged the incident from the beginning. In earlier communications, the company confirmed that its officials visited the accident scene, worked with law enforcement, and engaged directly with the family at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State where Ruth was first admitted. The company had also pledged to provide full medical support and compensation in accordance with its welfare policy, a commitment that provided the family some relief during the weeks of Ruth’s hospitalization.

Now that Ruth has passed, the expectation is that the Dangote Group will extend that support to cover burial costs and additional compensation to her family. While there has been no official statement from the company since her death, its representatives’ swift move to take charge of her body suggests a continuation of their involvement.

Beyond the immediate grief of Ruth’s family, her death has touched many Nigerians, including public figures and institutions. Messages of condolence have poured in from various quarters. The Federal Road Safety Corps expressed sorrow over her passing and promised tougher measures to improve road safety nationwide. Human rights activists like Omoyele Sowore also weighed in, calling for justice, better healthcare, and accountability for reckless driving incidents that continue to claim innocent lives.

For Ruth’s family, however, the pain is deeply personal. She was not only Phyna’s younger sister but also a daughter, a mother, and a loved one to many. Her untimely death has left a void that cannot be filled. “We had thought she would recover,” her relative lamented, “but now we are left only with memories of her kindness, her smile, and her presence.”

As the family prepares for funeral arrangements, Nigerians are reminded once again of the fragility of life and the importance of ensuring safer roads. Ruth Otabor’s story is one of promise cut short, a young life full of warmth and affection brought to an abrupt end by an accident that could perhaps have been prevented. For her loved ones, she will forever be remembered as “Bobo,” the nickname that captured her playful spirit. And for the public, her passing is a call for greater accountability and care on the nation’s highways.