The young comedian died in a car accident along the Ogbomoso–Oyo Road in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025. Eyewitnesses said the vehicle veered off the road and somersaulted. While Sanku was rushed to a hospital, he was later confirmed dead. His colleague, fellow comedian Wakil, survived with injuries.
News of his passing quickly went viral, drawing an outpouring of grief from fans and entertainers. Nollywood actress Funmi Awelewa expressed shock, writing: “The pain, the effort, the strength, the struggle… walai nothing make sense. I’m heartbroken. Even film sef never come out! It does not make sense.” Influencer Jidex, who shared a video of the wrecked vehicle, described the incident as “heartbreaking,” noting that it came just a day after the death of Phyna’s sister, Ruth Otabor.
Tributes have since poured in for Sanku, who was widely celebrated for his unique blend of cultural humour and everyday pranks that resonated strongly with young audiences, particularly in Ibadan. Fans and colleagues alike described him as a vibrant creative whose sudden passing leaves a void in Nigeria’s fast-growing online comedy industry.
The loss has also taken on a haunting dimension for many followers. Less than a month ago, on August 4, Sanku had released a skit depicting life after death, where he imagined himself in heaven lamenting the absence of familiar faces before jokingly urging his partner to “head to hell so they could enjoy life together.” That skit, along with his final post reflecting on life’s uncertainties, has been widely reshared by grieving fans, with many interpreting it as an eerie farewell.
Mr Sanku’s death marks a painful blow to Nigeria’s digital comedy space, which has in recent years become a hub for youthful talent breaking into the entertainment mainstream.