Big Brother Naija star, Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has strongly criticised the Dangote Group’s public statement on the recent road accident in Auchi, Edo State, involving one of its trucks, which left her sister, Ruth Otabor, severely injured and facing life-altering consequences.
The incident occurred less than a week after Ruth graduated, when a Dangote truck allegedly knocked her down. According to eyewitness accounts, the truck driver failed to stop at the scene. A lecturer who witnessed the accident reportedly pursued and intercepted the vehicle. The truck’s licence plate was allegedly removed before the vehicle was taken into police custody.
The crash left Ruth with catastrophic injuries, resulting in the amputation of one leg. Doctors are reportedly fighting to save the other. Another victim, a motorcycle rider involved in the incident, is also said to be in a critical condition.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Dangote Cement confirmed that senior company officials and its insurance team visited the accident scene, met with law enforcement officers, and checked on the victim and her family at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. The company assured that Ruth would receive full medical care and compensation in line with its welfare policy and expressed concern over her condition, extending wishes for her recovery.
However, Phyna took to social media to challenge the tone and content of the company’s statement. She particularly objected to Ruth being addressed as “Mrs” in the press release, questioning what she described as an attempt to start a misleading narrative about her sister’s identity.
The reality TV star also accused the Dangote Group of using the hospital visit as a publicity tool. She expressed outrage that photographs of her family members were taken without their consent and allegedly shared online. Phyna warned that future engagements with her family must occur without any cameras present.
“Appropriate compensation? Quick recovery from an already amputated leg? What necessary speed are you taking right now?” she wrote, criticising what she saw as an insensitive choice of words in light of her sister’s condition. She also reminded the company not to overlook the injured motorcyclist, who remains in serious condition.
Phyna further questioned the intent behind the company’s public communication, warning, “Plus what do you mean by Mrs Ruth Otabor, what narratives are you about to start… Una dey play with me.”
The dispute has drawn public attention both to the handling of corporate communication in sensitive accident cases and to the broader issue of accountability for road safety. While Dangote Cement has pledged medical and financial support, the sharp reaction from Phyna signals ongoing tension between the family and the company over how the matter is being managed in the public eye.
Law enforcement authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash. The detained truck remains in police custody, and no official charges have yet been announced against the driver. The case has sparked conversations on social media about road safety regulations, driver conduct, and the responsibilities of corporations when accidents involving their vehicles occur.
For Ruth Otabor and her family, the focus remains on her medical recovery and the preservation of her dignity, as her sister presses for both justice and respect in how the incident is handled moving forward.
