In a dramatic turn of events, Big Brother Naija Level Up winner, Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has issued a public apology to Nigerians and the Nigeria Police Force. This comes shortly after she raised a frantic alarm claiming that unidentified armed men had ‘abducted’ her cameraman and confiscated her laptop bag.
From Kidnapping Alarm to Police Arrest: What Really Happened?
Earlier in the day, the reality TV star took to social media to share a video showing a minibus driving away. She claimed that men in uniform had whisked her cameraman away under suspicious circumstances, sparking concerns among her followers about the rising state of insecurity in the area.
However, Phyna quickly retracted her statements in a follow-up video, clarifying that the individuals involved were not kidnappers but active police officers from the Ajah Police Station. According to the BBNaija star, the officers apprehended her cameraman after discovering a ‘small substance’ on him, which he had allegedly been smoking.
Phyna Expresses Gratitude to Ajah Police Division
In her apology video, Phyna confirmed that the misunderstanding had been peacefully resolved. She expressed her gratitude to the officers at the Ajah Police Station and commended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for handling the situation professionally and facilitating a swift resolution.
Fans React with Skepticism and Backlash
Despite her attempt to clear the air, the incident has sparked widespread criticism across social media. Many internet users expressed disappointment, labeling her initial panic reaction as ‘tacky’ and hasty. Some went as far as referencing past allegations made by controversial social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who had previously accused the reality star of abusing substances.
Speculations quickly mounted in the comment sections, with some users suggesting that the substance found might not have belonged to the cameraman. While Phyna has put the matter to rest, many of her followers are advising the star to exercise more restraint and verify facts before raising public alarms on social media.