Former Big Brother Naija winner Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, was reportedly involved in a dramatic altercation at a hotel in Abuja over an alleged 200k financial dispute.
According to an early report by TheCable Lifestyle and Pulse Nigeria, the dispute allegedly arose over payment for services rendered at the hotel, though official statements are yet to be released.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, quickly escalated from a private disagreement to a public spectacle, drawing the attention of hotel guests, staff, and eventually law enforcement. According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began inside Phyna’s hotel room and soon spilled into the lobby.
Sources claim the dispute was triggered by an unsettled financial issue involving 200k though the exact nature of the transaction remains unclear. Both parties involved reportedly refused to back down, resulting in a shouting match that intensified into pushing and chaos within the hotel premises.
A police source at the Maitama Division confirmed to Daily Trust that officers responded to a “disturbance involving a celebrity guest” and restored calm. No formal charges had been filed as of press time.
The situation worsened when individuals connected to the dispute joined in, turning the verbal exchange into a physical clash. Hotel staff attempted to intervene, but the tension continued to rise until security personnel and police officers arrived on the scene. Teargas was reportedly used to disperse the crowd and restore order.
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Videos and eyewitness clips of the altercation have since circulated on social media platforms including TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), amassing over 400,000 views within 12 hours.
The incident has sparked widespread conversation online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the growing trend of public altercations involving celebrities.
Some fans have defended Phyna, citing her recent emotional struggles, while others have criticized the behavior as unbecoming of a public figure.
The altercation comes shortly after Phyna returned to the public eye following a brief hiatus to mourn the death of her younger sister, Ruth Otabor.
Ruth tragically died in August in an accident involving a Dangote truck. Phyna laid her sister to rest in September and had only recently resumed public appearances and engagements.
Phyna, who gained fame after winning Big Brother Naija Season 7 (Level Up) in 2022, has maintained an active fanbase known as Phynation, often trending online for her outspoken personality and candid interactions with fans.
Her reentry into the spotlight has been marked by emotional vulnerability and controversy. Just days before the hotel incident, Phyna faced backlash for partying with Nollywood actress Regina Daniels shortly after her sister’s burial. In response, she posted a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Grief has no manual, no fixed face, and no timetable. The fact that I choose to keep living, smiling, or sharing moments does not erase the pain I carry.”
According to Dr. Funmilayo Adetayo, a Lagos-based behavioral therapist, “Celebrities often experience compounded grief and burnout because their healing process happens under public scrutiny. Emotional outbursts or misjudged reactions can be signs of unresolved trauma rather than mere indiscipline.”
“You Can’t Tell Me How to Grieve”: Phyna Responds to Criticism
Earlier in October, Phyna faced backlash after a video surfaced showing her partying alongside Nollywood actress Regina Daniels shortly after her sister’s burial. Critics accused her of being insensitive and moving on too quickly.
In response, Phyna took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a deeply emotional message:
“Grief has no manual, no fixed face, and no timetable. The fact that I choose to keep living, smiling, or sharing moments does not erase the pain I carry. Respect the process, even if you do not understand it. If you cannot extend compassion, then at least extend silence.”
Her words sounded good for many, including Regina Daniels, who had earlier defended her, urging the public to stop judging others for how they grieve.
Phyna’s statement brought about a broader issue, which is the unrealistic expectations placed on public figures to perform grief in ways that align with societal norms. In Nigeria, where mourning is often communal and ritualized, deviation from expected behavior can spark outrage – even when the pain is genuine.
Imisi’s Heartbreak and Identity Crisis Before BBNaija
While Phyna battled grief and public pressure, BBNaija Season 10 winner Imisi opened up about her emotional struggles before entering the house. In a candid interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, she revealed that she broke up with her boyfriend, Hakeem, just weeks before her audition.
“The Imisi you saw on social media was not really me. My dressing and style were influenced by my ex, Hakeem, because that’s what he liked. He liked when I wore makeup and frontals, so I did that to please him because he was my safe place.”
Imisi described the breakup as “hectic” and admitted that she entered the BBNaija house emotionally broken.
