One year after the death of her younger sister Ruth Otabor, Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Ijeoma Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has shared an emotional tribute that blends raw grief with renewed questions about justice.
On Monday, August 31, exactly 365 days after Ruth’s passing, Phyna posted on Instagram reflecting on the lasting pain of losing her sister. “People say time heals, but sometimes I wonder if time really heals or if we just learn how to live with the pain,” she wrote. “Because even after 365 days, there are moments when it still feels like yesterday.”
Ruth, 24, was involved in a road accident on August 13, 2025, near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, just six days after graduating from the institution. The crash involved a Dangote Group truck and left her with severe injuries, including the amputation of one leg. She died on August 31, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m., after more than two weeks of medical treatment.
During Ruth’s hospitalisation, Phyna publicly called for greater intervention and accused the Dangote Group of not responding adequately to her sister’s medical needs. The company stated at the time that it would provide comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation. Officials and its insurance team engaged with the family and authorities, and arrangements were made to evacuate Ruth from Edo to Lagos for advanced treatment. Despite these efforts, she died from complications related to her injuries.
A sombre burial took place on September 13, 2025, in Ogun State. Phyna attended alongside family, friends and former BBNaija housemates, appearing visibly distressed as she said goodbye.
In her anniversary message, Phyna alleged that the driver involved in the crash was underage and remains free. “Dangote Group killed my sister and never looked back; the underage truck driver that killed her walks freely today,” she wrote, claiming the case had been “swept under the carpet.” These statements remain allegations made by Phyna. Available reports do not include an independent court finding confirming the driver’s age or establishing that the matter was deliberately suppressed.
The accident drew significant public attention in August 2025, with activists, students and celebrities calling for accountability and improved safety standards for heavy-duty trucks. The Dangote Group’s account at the time differed from Phyna’s. The company said senior officials and its insurance team promptly visited the scene, engaged law enforcement, and visited Ruth and her family at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital while pledging medical support and compensation.
Beyond the unresolved questions, Phyna’s tribute centred on the personal loss. She spoke of missing Ruth’s voice, laughter and presence, and reflected on how the tragedy had altered her view of life. “Your absence has taught me that life is truly fragile and that we should never take the people we love for granted,” she wrote. “I will carry you with me for the rest of my life, in every achievement, every tear, every smile, and every moment I wish you were here.”
Ruth’s death came at a particularly painful moment for the family, occurring so soon after her graduation. The case also fuelled wider discussions about road safety, the responsibilities of haulage operators, and the treatment of serious accident victims in Nigeria.
For Phyna, the anniversary remains deeply personal. Behind the public calls for justice lies the simple absence of a younger sister whose life ended at 24. A year later, her message shows that grief has not followed a neat timetable. The pain endures, the questions linger, and her determination to keep Ruth’s memory alive continues.
“Sleep peacefully, my beautiful sister,” she concluded.
