The family of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has been thrown into mourning following the death of her younger sister, Ruth Otabor.
A statement released on Sunday by the family’s legal representatives, Eko Solicitors & Advocates, confirmed that Ruth passed away at about 6:30 a.m. on August 31, 2025.
“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 appealed to the public to respect their privacy during this difficult period of mourning, adding that funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
Ruth’s death comes just weeks after a devastating road accident near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, where she had only recently graduated.
On August 13, 2025, a truck allegedly linked to the Dangote Group hit her, leaving her with severe injuries that led to the amputation of one of her legs.
Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted how the heavy-duty vehicle crushed her leg before it was eventually brought to a halt by a quick-thinking bystander.
The incident shocked many, particularly because it happened barely six days after her graduation ceremony.
Her untimely passing has not only shattered the Otabor family but has also drawn an outpouring of grief from friends, well-wishers, and fans of Phyna across the country.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be made public by the family in due course.
