Big Brother Naija has crowned ten champions since 2006, and each one walked away with more than just cash and a car. Nigeria's biggest reality show has built careers, launched businesses, and turned everyday housemates into household names. As BBNaija marks a decade of unforgettable winners, here is a full rundown of every champion, how they won, and what they have been up to since leaving the house.
Katung Aduwak – Season 1 (2006)
The very first BBNaija winner was a 26-year-old scriptwriter and production assistant from Kaduna. Katung entered the house relatively late in the season but won over both housemates and viewers with his calm, calculated approach to the game. He beat Francisca Owumi and Ify Ejikeme to the top spot and used part of his prize money to pursue a doctoral degree in filmmaking in New York. Today, Katung works quietly behind the scenes in Nigerian media, having directed several movies over the years.
Efe Ejeba – Season 2 (2017)
After an 11-year hiatus, BBNaija returned in 2017 with the "See Gobe" edition, and 23-year-old rapper Efe Ejeba from Warri walked away with the crown. His street-smart charm and now-iconic catchphrase "based on logistics" turned him into a national sensation almost overnight. Efe beat Bisola Aiyeola in a tight final and has since released multiple music projects, though he has kept a lower public profile in recent years compared to some of his successors.
Miracle Igbokwe – Season 3 (2018)
A 24-year-old pilot and model from Lagos, Miracle Igbokwe's calm demeanor and strategic gameplay carried him past fan favorites Cee-C and Tobi Bakre to win Season 3. His victory made him one of the most talked-about winners of the era, and he has continued to build a career around modeling and public appearances since his win.
Mercy Eke – Season 4 (2019)
Mercy Eke made history as the first female winner of BBNaija, taking the "Pepper Dem" season by storm with bold fashion choices and sharp gameplay. She defeated Mike Edwards in the final and has since built an entertainment empire, launching the MNM Luxury clothing line and a real estate company, alongside acting roles in Nollywood productions and appearances in music videos. Mercy would go on to return for the All Stars season, finishing as runner-up.
Laycon – Season 5 (2020)
Olamilekan "Laycon" Agbeleshe entered the house as an underrated rapper and left as one of the franchise's biggest breakout stars. His intellect, lyrical talent, and emotional depth won over the nation, and he beat Dorathy Bachor to the ₦85 million prize. Since his win, Laycon has released multiple albums, toured internationally, joined the Grammys voting committee, and branched into acting.
Whitemoney – Season 6 (2021)
Hazel "Whitemoney" Onou charmed his way through the "Shine Ya Eye" season with his cooking, humor, and street-smart energy, defeating Liquorose in the final to claim the ₦90 million grand prize. He has since built a business empire that includes a food venture and continues to pursue music and entertainment deals.
Phyna – Season 7 (2022)
Ijeoma "Phyna" Otabor became the second female BBNaija winner when she claimed victory in the "Level Up" season, beating Bryann in the final. Known for her fiery personality and unapologetic style, Phyna has since built a loyal online fanbase, ventured into Twitch streaming, launched her own studio, and picked up acting credits in several Nollywood titles.
Ilebaye Odiniya – Season 8: All Stars (2023)
The All Stars edition brought back former housemates for another shot at the crown, and 22-year-old Ilebaye Odiniya defied the odds to win it all, edging out former champion Mercy Eke and fan favorite Cee-C. Ilebaye secured victory with just over 30 percent of the vote and took home a prize package worth ₦120 million, making her one of the youngest winners in the show's history.
Kellyrae – Season 9 (2024)
Kingsley "Kellyrae" Sule made history as the first married man to win BBNaija. He entered the house as one half of a couple known as "DoubleKay" alongside his wife, under a pairing format that was later scrapped, before going on to win as a solo player. Since leaving the house, Kellyrae has pivoted toward a music career.
Imisi – Season 10 (2025)
The most recent champion is Emisioluwa "Imisi" Ayanwale, who won the tenth season after a 71-day run that saw 29 housemates compete for a record ₦150 million prize package, including ₦80 million in cash. Imisi secured her win with an impressive 42.8 percent of the finale votes, one of the strongest showings in the show's recent history, beating out finalists including Kola, Isabella, and Sultana.
A Decade Of Drama, Fame, And Fortune
From Katung's quiet strategy in 2006 to Imisi's commanding finale performance in 2025, BBNaija's ten winners tell the story of a show that has never stopped reinventing itself. Two of the ten champions have been women, one made history as a married contestant, and another returned from a previous season to win all over again in the All Stars edition. Each winner has taken their platform in a different direction, from filmmaking and music to fashion lines and real estate, proving that the real prize often extends far beyond the cash and the crown.
With BBNaija now firmly established as one of Africa's biggest entertainment exports, all eyes will be on whether the next season can produce a winner who tops the drama, connection, and cultural impact of the ten who came before.