Reality TV star Josephine Otabor, better known as Phyna, is once again at the center of public attention over as she calls out a Abuja hotel – and this time, not for her usual charm or energy.
The Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner has accused a popular hotel in Abuja’s Gwarinpa district of compromising her safety and unlawfully detaining her over alleged property damage worth ₦3.5 million.
The drama, which unfolded over the weekend, has sparked widespread debate online about celebrity vulnerability, hotel security, and the culture of intimidation faced by public figures in Nigeria.
Phyna took to Instagram Live to share her ordeal, visibly shaken as she narrated how men she described as “touts” forcefully gained access to her hotel room.
“Because I’m Phyna, I’m being forced by a hotel that couldn’t secure me. They allowed touts through their main gate, through reception, and up to the second floor to break my door,” she said.
“The same hotel told them my room number. I’ve never seen such a thing.”
The hotel in question – identified by Phyna as Dalchifit Hotel, Gwarinpa – allegedly accused her of causing damage to property estimated at ₦3.5 million.
Phyna claimed that when she refused to pay the amount, the hotel management threatened to have her detained until Monday.
“They’re about to lock me up till Monday because I refused to pay ₦3.5 million. Imagine being treated like this because you’re a celebrity,” she added in frustration.
Viral Video: What Triggered the Incident?
The confrontation comes just days after Phyna appeared in a viral video showing her in a heated altercation with another woman, reportedly linked to a personal disagreement that escalated in public.
While it remains unclear whether the two incidents are related, eyewitnesses claim that tensions had been brewing before the hotel episode. According to one source who spoke to GossipXpress on condition of anonymity:
“Phyna had an issue with someone earlier that day. Things got loud, but nobody expected thugs to storm her hotel later that night. It was chaos.”
As of press time, neither the hotel management nor Phyna’s legal representatives have issued a formal statement. However, the incident has drawn the attention of human rights advocates and fans calling for an investigation into hotel safety practices.
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On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #JusticeForPhyna began trending, with users condemning the alleged negligence.
“No matter what happened, no hotel has the right to expose a guest to danger,” one user wrote.
Another added, “₦3.5 million damage? How? This smells like intimidation.”
Several Nollywood stars and fellow reality TV alumni have also weighed in.
Actress Uche Ogbodo commented under Phyna’s post:
“This is scary. Hotels need to take guest safety seriously. What if something worse had happened?”
Former BBNaija housemate Tacha Akide also reposted a clip, writing:
“No one deserves this treatment. Fame doesn’t mean you should be bullied or extorted.”
2025 has not been an easy year for Phyna. Earlier in the year, she made headlines after a public fallout with certain brand partners and was also vocal about her mental health struggles.
Fans have noted that the latest episode adds to a series of personal and professional storms she has faced.
“This 2025 for just take me leave, my sister,” she lamented, hinting at emotional exhaustion from continuous controversies.
Experts say most facilities lack proper surveillance systems or trained security personnel capable of de-escalating conflict without violence.
Hospitality analyst Emeka Dike told GossipXpress:
“There’s a growing issue of hotels prioritizing image over security. When guests – especially celebrities – face harassment, it exposes the system’s weakness.”
Under Nigerian law, hotels have a “duty of care” toward guests, meaning any form of harm due to negligence could lead to civil liability or criminal investigation.
If Phyna’s claims are verified, Dalchifit Hotel could face a lawsuit or even a temporary closure pending review by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Social media remains divided. While many sympathize with Phyna, others urge caution until both sides present evidence.
A fan wrote on Instagram:
“We love Phyna, but I hope she has proof. Hotels can’t just let thugs in. That’s dangerous.”
Another user countered:
“Even if there was damage, ₦3.5m is outrageous. The hotel owes her an apology.”
Who Is Phyna?
Josephine “Phyna” Otabor rose to fame in 2022 after winning Big Brother Naija: Level Up – the seventh season of the popular reality show. Known for her vibrant personality and outspoken nature, she quickly became one of the most talked-about reality TV stars in Nigeria.
Since then, she has worked with several brands, hosted events, and pursued acting and content creation. But her rise has also been marked by controversy – from public spats to online trolling – a price many say comes with the spotlight.
What Happens Next?
As calls grow for transparency, the Abuja hotel saga could test the balance between celebrity rights and corporate accountability. For now, Phyna says she just wants justice – and peace.
“I’m tired of being treated like this. I’m a human being first before a celebrity,” she wrote in her latest Instagram story.
