Martins Iyeh has become the first housemate evicted from the Big Brother Naija Season 11 house, exiting during the season’s first live eviction show on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Martins’ eviction was announced by host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, shortly before fellow housemate Ijeoma “Mercedes” Emi was also voted out, making it a double eviction on the night. The exits mark the end of the show’s opening stretch, which had proceeded without an eviction after a twist called “The Gambit” granted two housemates, Flora and Aikou, protection from eviction until the finale, though they forfeited eligibility for the grand prize in exchange.
Voting results released during the live show showed Martins polled 1.63 percent of the vote, placing him in the bottom three alongside Mercedes, who received 2.29 percent, and Keivo, who was saved with 2.92 percent.
A 30-year-old visual storyteller, creative director and model from Kogi State, Martins entered the “Show Ya Sef” house describing himself as primarily there to have fun, and challenged viewers to vote him out if he failed to entertain them. During his two weeks in the house, he built relationships with fellow housemates and took part actively in social activities. His birthday was among the season’s notable early moments, with other housemates organising a celebration for him. He had also identified mind-reading as one of his hidden talents at the show’s launch.
Other developments during the week included Chimsom Chuka emerging as the first Head of House, though a subsequent twist saw the HOH lounge privileges go to Tram, who selected Sheba as her companion. Sheba went on to win the Week Two HOH challenge, securing immunity and using her powers to save Chimsom Chuka from eviction. Nomy received the season’s first official strike from Big Brother after repeatedly defying instructions during a house meeting.
With Martins and Mercedes’ exit, 22 housemates remain in the competition alongside Flora and Aikou, who continue in the house as Gambits without eligibility for the season’s ₦160 million grand prize. Big Brother Naija Season 11 launched in July 2026 with 24 housemates competing under the theme “Show Ya Self.”
