BENIN CITY, NIGERIA – The legal representatives for the family of Big Brother Naija star Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, have submitted a comprehensive list of demands to the Dangote Group, seeking lifelong care and a N5 billion compensation for their sister, Ruth Otabor, who was severely injured in a recent accident.
In a formal letter dated August 18, 2025, Eko Solicitors & Advocates outlined a 15-point settlement requirement on behalf of Ruth Otabor, Phyna, and the wider family. The letter describes the incident as a “dastard accident” and states the demands follow a “holistic appraisal” of its profound impact on Ruth, her two children, and other family members.
The demands are extensive and designed to provide immediate critical care and long-term security for the victim. Key requirements include:
Immediate Medical Evacuation: The family demands that Ruth Otabor be flown “with alacrity” to Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, India, for “wholesome comprehensive and restorative healthcare.” This includes specific mention of vaginal reconstruction surgery, indicating the severe and personal nature of her injuries.
· Lifelong Financial Support: A stipend of N6,000,000 (Six Million Naira) monthly for life, with reviews every two years to align with the US Dollar exchange rate.
· Substantial Lump Sum Payment: A N5,000,000,000 (Five Billion Naira) payment for “permanent disability, upkeep of her children and family impact.”
· Long-Term Care and Living: The family demands the Dangote Group build a handicap-friendly house in a city centre, provide a handicap-friendly car, and a best-in-class automated wheelchair with guarantees for annual review and replacement within seven days of any fault.
· Children’s Future: Full scholarships for Ruth Otabor’s two children and the establishment of a sustainable business for her are also stipulated.
· Support for Caregivers: The company is to facilitate travel for Ruth’s mother and siblings to accompany her to India for care and monitoring.
· Legal Fees: The solicitors demand a payment of 7.5% of the total N5 billion settlement, amounting to N375,000,000, as cost for their legal services.
The letter confirms that Phyna will continue to act as the chief negotiator for the family in this matter.
As of the time of this report, there has been no public response from the Dangote Group to these demands. The situation highlights the severe long-term consequences of road accidents and the complex negotiations that can follow between affected families and corporate entities.
