Entertainment promoter and media personality Michael Nwabufo, popularly known as Mike Premium, has spoken out in defence of reality TV star Ijeoma Otabor, aka Phyna, following the tragic death of her younger sister, Ruth Otabor.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, Nwabufo revealed that Phyna has been deeply affected by the loss and is currently taking time to grieve away from public scrutiny.
“She needed a break because people were changing the narrative and it was getting to her,” he said.
“She was tired and sick but she is getting better now. We are planning on getting the sister buried.”
Ruth Otabor died on August 31, 2025, from injuries sustained after being struck by a truck allegedly belonging to the Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State. Prior to her death, she had undergone a leg amputation.
Amid public speculation, Nwabufo addressed viral claims that Phyna had demanded ₦1 billion in compensation from the Dangote Group.
He firmly denied the allegation, stating that the focus had always been on securing proper medical care for Ruth, not financial gain.
“My lawyers were in talks with the Dangote team to ensure her sister was taken abroad for medical care, as it was clear the local hospital wasn’t doing enough,” he explained.
“We wanted them to take responsibility because she has children and her life had been put on hold by the accident. That was what we were working on before different narratives about one billion started flying around.”
He clarified that any compensation discussed was tied to Ruth’s long-term wellbeing, including rehabilitation and support for her children.
“Even if there was going to be monetary compensation, it is based on the fact that her life was going to be different, and she would not have been able to walk again,” he said.
Nwabufo also called out social media activist Very Dark Man (VDM), who had amplified the ₦1 billion claim.
“He needs to provide proof,” Nwabufo said.
“He did something similar to me when someone accused me of fraudulent activities relating to Big Brother Naija. He didn’t even check in with me about it.”
He urged the public to allow Phyna the space to mourn in peace, adding that the spread of misinformation was compounding her grief.
Addressing speculation about Ruth’s personal life, Nwabufo said he was unaware of any formal marriage between Ruth and her alleged partner, Daniel Adebo.
“They had a child together but that is not important,” he noted.
“Phyna had been the one taking care of her sister and paying her school fees.”
The case has reignited conversations around corporate accountability and road safety, with many calling for stricter regulations on heavy-duty vehicles following repeated incidents involving Dangote trucks.
