By joy Joseph
On August 31, 2025, Ruth Otabor, sister of reality TV star Phyna, died from injuries sustained in an accident involving a Dangote Group cement truck. Despite weeks of care and a planned transfer to India, she passed away at 6:30 a.m. Her family, through Eko Solicitors & Advocates, confirmed the news and requested privacy. The Dangote Group expressed sorrow, saying it had covered her medical bills and pledged to support funeral arrangements. The tragedy, however, has raised broader concerns about justice, accountability, and corporate responsibility in Nigeria.
Human rights lawyer Femi Aborisade criticised the handling of the case.
“I’m not impressed at all. Only a full, factual investigation can show what went wrong and how to prevent future tragedies”, Aborisade said.
The human rights lawyer linked the accident to systemic failure, alleging that Dangote’s anti-union stance undermines worker welfare and safety. He said:“If unions were allowed, they could enforce safety measures like regular truck servicing and limits on driving hours. But drivers are recruited on the condition they won’t join unions. That compromises safety.”
Aborisade warned that Ruth’s case gained attention only because of her celebrity sister, while many similar cases remain undocumented.
“There is no justice for the poor in Nigeria. Justice for Ruth must include condemning anti-union practices and enforcing labour rights. Human rights are interconnected, denying workers’ rights endangers the public too’’, Aborisade added.
Also speaking, another legal practitioner, Mukhtar Aderogba, however, said litigation is expensive, stressing that justice requires compensation, accountability, and reform.
“Justice is not served à la carte. It is fought for. Litigation is expensive, but the poor can seek legal aid’’, he said, adding that stronger legal aid and public awareness are key to making justice accessible.
