Dangote Group has released a statement expressing its sadness over the passing of Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija season seven winner, Phyna, following injuries she sustained in a road crash involving one of the company’s trucks. The company’s statement was issued on Sunday, after Phyna had confirmed her sister’s death through a letter shared on social media.
Company Claims Full Support
In its official statement, Dangote Group said that it and its insurance partners had covered all financial and medical costs for Ruth since the August 13 accident. The company also claimed it had been providing support to her family. “Arrangements had been made for her to be flown to India for advanced treatment, pending medical clearance from her doctors. Sadly, despite these efforts and Ruth’s brave fight to live, we lost her today,” the statement read.
This development follows public accusations from Phyna, who had previously called out the company for what she claimed was a failure to fulfill a promise to fly her sister abroad for specialized medical care. Dangote Group had previously responded to these claims by stating they were awaiting the necessary medical clearance.
Family Confirms Passing
In a letter signed by Justice Segun Ojienoh of Eko Solicitors & Advocates, the Otabor family confirmed Ruth’s passing on August 31, 2025. “With a heavy heart the family regrets to announce the passing on to glory of their daughter, sister, mother on this 31st Day of August, 2025 at about 06:30hrs,” the letter stated. The family has requested privacy during their time of grief and has said that funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
The tragic incident had become a subject of public debate, with a notable online dispute between Phyna and activist VeryDarkMan, who accused the reality TV star of focusing on financial compensation over the plight of other victims. Phyna strongly denied these allegations.
