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Tag: BBNaija

  • Phyna denies claim she has not received N100m BBNaija prize

    Phyna denies claim she has not received N100m BBNaija prize

    Reality TV star Josephina Otabor, widely known as Phyna, has refuted claims that she said she had not received her N100 million Big Brother Naija grand prize, insisting that a viral clip circulating online was deliberately taken out of context.

    During a Twitch livestream, Phyna explained that the video was mischievously edited from a longer conversation.

    She stressed that she was responding to critics who questioned her financial status, not alleging that her prize money was withheld.

    “They keep cutting my video, I never said I have not received my 100 million naira. I was only talking to people who asked me if the 100 million naira had finished,” she said.

    The controversy resurfaced after Phyna initially called out BBN organisers in 2024 for unpaid prizes.

    Phyna warned bloggers to stop editing her videos, threatening legal action if it causes issues.

    According to her, she explained that she had to explain to the organisers that the video was cut, and urged them to check out the full video on Twitch for confirmation.

    The show’s organisers, Multichoice, maintain they’ve fulfilled their obligations.

  • BBNaija fanbase no longer growing, show has lost credibility — Phyna

    BBNaija fanbase no longer growing, show has lost credibility — Phyna

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate Phyna has expressed her concerns about the current state of the reality show, arguing that many contestants lack what it takes to excel after their time in the house.

    Speaking during a livestream, she said several ex-housemates depend on the same fanbase, which is no longer expanding and therefore cannot sustain their careers.

    She explained that the audience simply shifts support from one contestant to another, without attracting new followers.

    Phyna further stated that the show has lost credibility, noting that BBNaija alumni are no longer regarded with the same respect as in previous years.

    According to her, the prestige once associated with being a former contestant has significantly diminished.

    Read Also: I need clarity before apologising to Davido for past ‘beef’ – Phyna

    She said, “The steeze housemates do have on the show they don’t have it again, because it’s the same fan base that moves from one to another, no new people, nothing new. It’s just the same people.

    “And that aside, the show has lost credibility compared to the way it was before, because when you tell someone now that I came out of BBNaija, they won’t rate you like they do then.”

    Phyna, whose real name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, won the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, tagged ‘Level Up’, on October 2, 2022.

    She took home a grand prize of N100 million, beating fellow finalist Bryann with 40.74% of the votes.

    Phyna is the second female winner of the show, following Mercy Eke’s win in 2019.

  • How my faith cost me a lucrative deal – BBNaija’s Cross

    How my faith cost me a lucrative deal – BBNaija’s Cross

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate Cross Okonkwo has claimed he lost a job opportunity due to his loud Christian faith.

    The reality TV star, on X, claimed a person decided not to work with him because of his bold expressions of faith on social media.

    “You are mad and don’t want to work with me because I have made my faith in Jesus Christ very clear and bold. Lol one day I will buy your company and buy everything you own. Mark my words,” he wrote.

    Okonkwo vowed he will not compromise his beliefs for professional gain.

    He stated that true wealth comes from God and that fame does not control him.

    He also emphasised that he will never do wrong or chase money in a way that goes against his faith, even if it means having less.

    Read Also: Reality star Cross Okonkwo engages partner in intimate ceremony

    “I will NEVER do anything evil for money. Even if I become the poorest or the brokest human being on earth. I don’t care about fame. Yes I’m glad and blessed that I’m a famous person but that doesn’t change anything. All wealth belongs to my father. He alone has the secret to All things,” he wrote.

    Okonkwo further addressed critics who still see him as the same person from the Big Brother Naija house, stating that he has changed in spirit and character since leaving the show.

    “I think a lot of people still think I’m the same guy that was in the big brother house. It may be the same body, face. image but definitely not the same spirit and soul. So pls get that out of your head and have peace with it,”he added.

    He also asked not to be compared to other former housemates, wishing them well and emphasising that everyone has their own path.

    “And pls don’t ever compare me to any of my fellow big brother siblings. We all have different views to life. I love everyone of them. And I wish everyone the best,” he added.

  • ‘Pressure was real, expectations were loud’, Imisi opens up about life after BBNaija win

    ‘Pressure was real, expectations were loud’, Imisi opens up about life after BBNaija win

    Imisi, the winner of Big Brother Naija season 10, has shared an open letter to her fans, reflecting on her journey since winning the show.

    In a post on Instagram, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from her fans, known as “Imistars,” and acknowledged the challenges she faced after winning.

    The 23-year-old noted that the past year has been a mix of highs and lows, but she’s learning and growing every day.

    She thanked her fans for standing by her, even when she made mistakes, and for holding her accountable.

    She wrote, “My Imistars, As the year gets started , I have been reflecting on everything that has happened. From the journey in the house to life after the show, this year has changed me in ways I never imagined. It came with beautiful highs, difficult lows, lessons, mistakes, and so much growth.

    “After winning the show, a lot happened very fast. The pressure was real, the expectations were loud, and I’m still learning in real time. I won’t always get everything right, but I’m growing, taking lessons, and becoming better each day. Through every phase, every struggle, and even my mistakes, you stayed. Your continued support, even when I’m still figuring things out, means more to me than you know.”

    Read Also: Imisi returns to Ebute Metta in style after BBNaija win

    Imisi also expressed her gratitude to God for His guidance and protection throughout her journey.

    She prayed for grace, clarity, and consistency for herself and her fans in the new year, wishing them peace, joy, and abundance.

    She added: “Above all, I thank God for His grace, strength, protection, and guidance through every season. Without Him, none of this would be possible.

    “You voted, defended, prayed, encouraged, and reminded me who I was when the noise got heavy. You held me down and also held me accountable, and that balance means everything to me.

    “As this year closes, I want you to know that none of this would mean the same without you. This win, this journey, this growth we share it.

    “As we step into 2026, my prayer is for grace, clarity, and consistency for myself, and for peace, joy, and abundance for every single one of you. I pray the new year brings answered prayers, healing, growth, and big wins for us all.

    “Here’s to a new year, new lessons, and new levels. Whatever comes next, I know I’m not walking alone”.

  • Imisi returns to Ebute Metta in style after BBNaija win

    Imisi returns to Ebute Metta in style after BBNaija win

    Winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, Imisi Ayanwale, will return to her hometown of Ebute Metta today, December 5, 2025, to a hero’s welcome.

    Ayanwale, who clinched the N150 million grand prize on October 5, 2025, has continued to dominate public attention since her victory.

    The 23-year-old actress is putting together a grand homecoming celebration and has invited several notable entertainment figures, including Bolaji Ogunmola, Wanni and Handi, Peller, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Spyro, Samuel Banks, DJ YK Mule, Cute Abiola, Kemity, as well as fellow housemates.

    She wrote on Instagram, “From the screens to the streets, I’m bringing the love right back where my journey began.

    “Ebute Metta, this homecoming is for every single person who believed in me. This is for all the dreamers”.

    Ayanwale’s win was marked by her authenticity, resilience, and strong connection with fans, securing 42.8% of the total votes.

  • I almost committed suicide after BBNaija disqualification – Beauty Tukura

    I almost committed suicide after BBNaija disqualification – Beauty Tukura

    Former Miss Nigeria and Big Brother Naija contestant Beauty Tukura has spoken about her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts following her disqualification from the show.

    In an interview on BeyondWithEzinne podcast, Tukura revealed she felt overwhelmed by public scrutiny and shame, leading to a dark period where she nearly took her life.

    She said: “I was depressed, I feel like my life ended. I was living in a dark room for weeks and in between, I will do therapy.

    “I cried every day. I was thinking of ending it. I almost actually committed suicide.

    “The heat was too much, and personally, I felt like nothing I said was going to make sense because all they wanted to do was crucify me like Jesus. It was very hard”.

    According to her, after disqualification, she struggled to face her parents, admitting, “I was too ashamed to see them. I didn’t know how to face them. I was in a very bad place.”

    Tukura praised her parents’ unwavering support and messages from fans worldwide, which helped her cope and focus on the positive.

    “I decided to focus on the love. Since then, I’ve always focused on the positive messages,” she said.

    The experience was a turning point for Tukura, who has since reflected on mistakes and the lessons learned.

    “That was the lowest point of my life, and I’ve decided it will stay that way. There’s no room for such mistakes anymore,” she said.

  • Police held me hostage for eight hours, Ex-BBNaija star Adekunle alleges

    Police held me hostage for eight hours, Ex-BBNaija star Adekunle alleges

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate Adekunle Olopade has accused police operatives of detaining him for eight hours.

    The reality TV personality, known for his time in the ‘Level Up’ season, shared the disturbing experience on his snap chat page, alleging he was manhandled, handcuffed, and held against his will.

    He described the incident as a near-death ordeal that was only averted by what he called divine intervention.

    Read Also: Reality star Adekunle speaks on life after BBNaija

    “What a night! Kidnapped, harassed, and handcuffed by the Nigerian Police Force in the last 8 hours. This story could have ended differently, and no one would have known. But glory be to God, I’m alive today,” he wrote.

    Adekunle did not disclose the reason behind the alleged police action.

    As of now, the Nigerian Police Force was not issued any official response to the claims.

  • BBNaija star Tuoyo vows to sue NDLEA over alleged brutality

    BBNaija star Tuoyo vows to sue NDLEA over alleged brutality

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate Tuoyo Ideh has vowed to take legal action against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over alleged brutality during a nightclub raid in Lagos.

    The NDLEA raided Proxy Nightclub in Victoria Island, Lagos, in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025.

    The operation resulted in the arrest of over 100 patrons, including popular Lagos socialite Pretty Mike and former Big Brother Naija housemate Tuoyo Ideh.

    Following his arrest, Tuoyo claimed he was beaten and humiliated by NDLEA operatives during the incident, which left him in physical pain and emotional distress.

    In an Instagram post, Tuoyo revealed that it has been three days since the incident and he is still struggling to recover.

    He thanked fans, friends, and colleagues for their support, saying it has kept him going during this difficult period.

    He wrote: “It’s been 3 days since the NDLEA incident, and I won’t lie, I’m still trying to process everything.

    “I’m still in pain and traumatized, but I want to use this medium to say a big thank you to everyone who has reached out, from my DMs to calls and messages, it has honestly kept me going.

    “Nevertheless, I have decided to take legal action against the infringement of my human right, and I hope justice will take its full course. Thank you once again.”

  • I’ve reconnected, reconciled with my parents – BBNaija’s Zita

    I’ve reconnected, reconciled with my parents – BBNaija’s Zita

    Former Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate Elizabeth Oloruntola popularly known as Zita said she has reconciled with her parents, after running away from home.

    She disclosed this in a recent livestream session with fans.

    During the premiere of the reality show, Zita had disclosed that she absconded from home and didn’t inform her parents about her participation in the event.

    According to Zita, her parents are proud of her newfound celebrity status and have forgiven her past rebellion.

    Read Also:Fans gifts BBNaija’s Dede N30 million, luxury gifts on 24th birthday

    “I met with my parents recently and they were very proud of me. My dad was boasting to his staff that his child is now a celebrity. They were so proud that I won Head of House twice,” she said.

    The former housemate expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with her family, stating that their reunion was a fun and relaxed one.

    She added that her mother has also forgiven her past actions, and she has promised to share more updates as their relationship continues to blossom.

    “Reuniting with my family was fun. We were just chilling and gisting. My mum also forgave my past rebellion,” she revealed.

  • How I became depressed after BBNaija – Sammie

    How I became depressed after BBNaija – Sammie

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate Samuel Jacob popularly known as Sammie has opened up about his struggles with depression after the show. 

    In an Instagram video, he revealed how he experienced depression multiple times, crying alone in his Lekki house, despite appearing fine on the outside.

    He revealed facing financial difficulties, with more debit alerts than credit alerts, making it hard to sustain life in Lagos. 

    Sammie said: “One year after the show, I cannot count how many times I was depressed. Facts. I would be in my Lekki house. I would cry. Big boy like me with my beards. I would sit down and I would cry.

    “And tell God why. There days I would say God thank you. There days I would say ah ah.

    “There days I would not have lights. My meter would do beep. All of these factors are things that kind of affected my lifetime because living in Lagos became very difficult for me.

    “I didn’t know what exactly what to do with life because I was not done with school. I left for the show. Now I am in Lagos.

    “The so-called star boy but, I was not making money. If I go through my alerts, I will see debit alerts, then I would now see one credit alert of one million naira.

    “Then that’s how the money would go. For before, debits, debits, debits, debits. So there was no money coming in but there was a life to sustain and it was messing my head up.

    “Above all, you see people around you living a life. In Lagos, you see one small boy pull up in his G-Wag and play. Everybody’s living.

    “Others are living fake life. If I go dey follow person. I don’t even know what to say with regards to that. But my point is, you have a personal life and how you influence that life matters if your mental health is in order.

    “I say again, with regards to what’s happening around you, you have a personal life after the show and how that personal life is influenced is determined by where your mental state or your mental health is. Me, I will cry in my house. I will go through a lot.

    “I will now chop my indomie. I will now wear my fine shirt and I will now go out. Nobody will know I’m going through a lot”.