Big Brother Naija has crowned 11 winners across eleven seasons, from Katung Aduwak's 2006 victory to Temi Nkem's 2026 triumph. The prize money has grown from $100,000 in 2006 to ₦160 million in 2026. Winners have gone on to become Grammy voters, licensed pilots, filmmakers, fashion entrepreneurs, and media executives.
From Katung Aduwak to Temi Nkem: A Complete Winner's List
The full list of BBNaija winners spans 2006 through 2026. Katung Aduwak won the inaugural season (then titled Big Brother Nigeria) in 2006, taking home $100,000. Michael "Efe" Ejeba won Season 2 in 2017, Miracle Igbokwe won Season 3 in 2018, and Mercy Eke made history as the first female winner in 2019. Laycon won in 2020, Whitemoney in 2021, Phyna in 2022, Ilebaye in 2023, Kellyrae in 2024, Imisi in 2025, and Temi Nkem in 2026.
Michael "Efe" Ejeba (Season 2, 2017): Music Career After "See Gobe"
Efe won the 2017 "See Gobe" edition with his relatable personality and the catchphrase "Based on Logistics." He received ₦25 million and an SUV, then pursued music, releasing EPs including Am Sorry Am Winning (2018), Against All Odds (2021), and Stubborn Boy (2022).
Miracle Igbokwe (Season 3, 2018): From Reality Star to Licensed Pilot
Miracle Igbokwe, a Nigerian from Imo State, won "Double Wahala" in 2018, taking home ₦45 million. He graduated from a U.S. aviation school and served as Imo State's Education Ambassador during former governor Rochas Okorocha's tenure. He has since become a licensed commercial pilot and, most recently, a YouTuber.
Mercy Eke (Season 4, 2019): First Female Winner and Entrepreneur
Mercy Eke became the first female winner of BBNaija, winning the "Pepper Dem" edition and a ₦60 million prize package. She expanded into real estate, fashion, television, and entrepreneurship, launching her own real estate firm and fashion lines while maintaining a strong media presence.
Laycon (Season 5, 2020): Grammy Voter and Music Star
Laycon won the 2020 "Lockdown" edition with a record-breaking victory and an ₦85 million grand prize. His fanbase, the "Icons," supported his music career. He became a voting member of the Recording Academy for the Grammy Awards, toured the UK, released three albums — Shall We Begin… (2021), I Am Laycon (2021), and Bioba (2023) — and held his iCONs FEST concert across multiple Nigerian cities.
Whitemoney (Season 6, 2021): Music, Endorsements, and Food Business
Hazel "Whitemoney" Onou won the "Shine Ya Eye" season on 3 October 2021 with 47% of the final votes ahead of Liquorose, earning ₦90 million. He secured endorsement deals with GOtv Nigeria, Get Fit, and Hero Lager. He releases music with artists like Duncan Mighty, Masterkraft, and Bisa Kdei, and owns a food company, White Money Party Jollof.
Phyna (Season 7, 2022): Acting and Influencing
Ijeoma "Phyna" Otabor won the 2022 "Level Up" season, becoming the show's second female winner. She built a fanbase called Phynation, became a Twitch streamer, built Phynix Studio, and entered acting with credits in Nollywood movies like Osato and Ada Omo Daddy. She has built a career in acting, presenting, and influencer marketing.
Kellyrae (Season 9, 2024): First Married Winner
Kingsley "Kellyrae" Sule entered the 2024 "No Loose Guard" season with his wife, Kassia, keeping their marriage secret from fellow contestants. The secret became a defining storyline, and he won the ₦100 million grand prize, becoming the first married man to win BBNaija. He has since focused on music and commercial partnerships.
Ilebaye (Season 8 All Stars, 2023): Youngest Winner and Philanthropist
Ilebaye, known as "Gen Z Baddie," won the 2023 All-Stars edition, competing against past champions like Mercy Eke and CeeC. She became the show's youngest winner, earning a ₦120 million prize package. Since her win, she has signed endorsement deals, including with skincare brand Beautiful Body, and founded the Ilebaye Foundation, a charity.
Katung Aduwak (Season 1, 2006): Filmmaker and Media Executive
Katung Aduwak, born 21 March 1980, won the first season of Big Brother Nigeria, which aired from 5 March to 4 June 2006, taking home $100,000 (₦132 million). He studied directing at the Digital Film Academy in New York and became a filmmaker. He served as Senior Channel Manager at MTV Base, Senior Creative Director at VIACOM International, and executive director at Chocolate City. He is currently CEO of One O Eight Media and an African Partner at Campfire Media. His filmography includes Unwanted Guest (2011), When Love Happens (2014), Heaven's Hell (2019), and Not Supposed to Be Here (2020).
Imisi (Season 10, 2025): Fashion Designer and Fourth Female Winner
Opeyemi "Imisi" Ayanwale, a 23-year-old fashion designer and actress from Oyo State, won Season 10 with 42.8% of the total votes, surpassing finalists Dede, Koyin, and Sultana. She received a ₦150 million grand prize, comprising ₦80 million in cash and a brand-new Innoson SUV. She is the fourth female winner, after Mercy Eke, Phyna, and Ilebaye.
Temi Nkem (Season 11, 2026): Latest Champion
On Sunday night, 4 October 2026, 21-year-old content creator Temitope "Temi Nkem" Chigbue was crowned winner of the "Show Ya Sef" edition after a 70-day run in Biggie's house. She secured 25.87% of the final vote, edging out runner-up Aikou. Born and raised in London, with roots in Delta State and Lagos, she moved to Lagos before joining the show. Her prize package is ₦160 million, comprising ₦90 million in cash, an SUV, and sponsored prizes. Her victory makes her one of the franchise's standout champions in recent history.
