Phyna Decries Police Harassment During Road Confrontation

Reality TV star and Big Brother Naija winner, Josephina Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has sparked a heated debate online following a confrontational encounter with police officers on a Nigerian road. The incident, which went viral after the star shared clips of the exchange, centered on what she described as unprofessional and unlawful stop-and-search tactics. During the heated dialogue, Phyna challenged the officers for blocking her vehicle in the middle of a busy road, arguing that standard procedure requires security personnel to park properly before conducting checks to avoid causing public obstruction or safety hazards.

Visible and audible in her frustration, Phyna did not hesitate to leverage her public profile, famously asking one officer, “Oga, I am a celebrity, how dare you stop me?” While some critics online have questioned the use of her status, the core of her grievance remained the legality of the stop itself. She expressed shock at the “random selection” of her vehicle and insisted that such impromptu roadblocks without proper warning or visible safety measures were unacceptable. The reality star repeatedly demanded to know the official reason for being singled out, maintaining that she had never witnessed such a disorganized approach to law enforcement in her life.

The situation escalated as Phyna threatened to escalate the matter to higher police command. She informed the officers of her intention to contact senior officials to verify if their conduct aligned with current policing directives. Amid the tension, she was seen instructing her driver to remain calm and avoid any physical confrontation with the armed men, while she continued to voice her displeasure. Her primary argument focused on the disruption of traffic and the perceived high-handedness of the officers involved, which she characterized as a blatant disregard for the rights of citizens and public order.

This encounter adds to a growing list of public spats between celebrities and law enforcement in Nigeria, often highlighting the friction between citizens and security agencies over “stop-and-search” protocols. Phyna’s insistence that officers must park and follow a set procedure mirrors broader public complaints regarding the safety and transparency of such operations. While the police have yet to issue a formal statement on this specific incident, the viral footage has reignited conversations about the limits of police authority and the responsibilities of public figures during security interactions.