A tragic road accident involving a truck reportedly linked to Nigeria’s Dangote Group has drawn national outrage after leaving a young graduate critically injured and sparking demands for accountability. The victim, identified as the younger sister of Nigerian reality TV star Phyna (born Ijeoma Josephina Otabor), was struck in Auchi, Edo State, just six days after completing her studies. She has since undergone the amputation of one leg and faces potential loss of the other, according to statements by actress Kate Henshaw and social media updates from the family.
Henshaw, a prominent Nollywood figure, publicly called for justice in a social media post, alleging the driver fled the scene but was later apprehended with the help of an eyewitness described as a local lecturer. Authorities reportedly impounded the truck, though Henshaw claimed its license plate had been removed prior to police custody. “Whoever owns the truck should own up,” she wrote, tagging the Nigerian Police Force and spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin to demand accountability.
Phyna, who rose to fame on the Big Brother Naija reality show, earlier accused the Dangote Group of attempting to protect those responsible. She directly named billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote in a social media appeal, asserting the vehicle was affiliated with his conglomerate. While the Dangote Group has yet to issue a public statement, the allegations have amplified scrutiny over road safety and corporate accountability in Nigeria, where accidents involving heavy commercial vehicles are recurrent.
Social media activist VeryDarkMan amplified the outcry by sharing footage of the victim in a hospital bed, underscoring the severity of her injuries. The video, viewed widely across platforms, has fueled calls for transparency in the investigation. Local authorities confirmed the truck remains in custody but declined to comment on specifics, citing an ongoing probe.
The incident has reignited debates about corporate responsibility and enforcement of traffic regulations in Nigeria. Road safety advocates point to lingering challenges, including driver training and vehicle maintenance standards, as contributors to the country’s high accident rates. With the victim’s family and public figures pressing for swift action, attention now turns to whether authorities will pursue charges against the driver or the truck’s alleged owners.
As of publication, no formal charges have been announced, and the Nigerian Police Force has not disclosed further details about the detained driver. The case remains a focal point for advocates urging systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
