Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of Esther Ezinne Omolola Mensah, widely known on social media as Auntie Esther or the beloved “Pepper Girl.” She passed away at the age of 34 after weeks of intense public concern and a nationwide effort to save her life.
Her death was confirmed at 12:08 pm on Friday, December 27, 2025, by photographer Tábuko Swaag, and later validated by her primary caregiver, popularly known online as Aunty Muse. The confirmation brought a painful end to a deeply emotional medical journey that had captured national attention.
Auntie Esther rose to internet fame in March 2023 after repeatedly promoting her personal shopping and errand-running business under trending posts on Twitter (now X). What initially started as online mockery quickly transformed into massive public support, turning her into a viral symbol of resilience, hustle, and survival.
Behind the viral moments, Esther was quietly battling advanced breast cancer, a struggle that later became public as her health deteriorated. Over the past month, her condition sparked widespread conversations across social media, churches, and medical circles, as Nigerians rallied together to support her treatment.
In a remarkable show of unity, a nationwide crowdfunding campaign raised over ₦30 million to fund her medical care. The effort gained further momentum after Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen donated ₦5 million, inspiring even more Nigerians to contribute.
Despite the financial support and medical intervention available, Esther reportedly declined a medically recommended blood transfusion, which doctors said was necessary to stabilize her before chemotherapy could begin. As a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, she opted for alternative non-blood treatment methods, a decision that sparked intense debate online around faith, medicine, and personal choice.
Auntie Esther’s death has left many Nigerians heartbroken, with tributes pouring in from celebrities, influencers, and everyday citizens who followed her journey closely.
As of press time, no official medical statement has been released by the attending hospital. However, updates shared by caregivers during her treatment indicate that her death was linked to complications from advanced-stage breast cancer, which had reportedly progressed significantly before becoming a national issue.