The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Odiniya, father of Ilebaye Odiniya, the 2023 Big Brother Naija winner, over an alleged assault incident involving the reality television star in Abuja.
- +Father of Ilebaye, BBNaija star arrested over alleged assault in Abuja
The command disclosed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Royal Anchor Estate in the Wuye area of Abuja, following a distress call reporting an ongoing domestic assault.
The command disclosed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Royal Anchor Estate in the Wuye area of Abuja, following a distress call reporting an ongoing domestic assault.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, said officers from the Wuye Division, supported by operatives of the Department of Operations, were immediately mobilised to the scene after receiving reports that Ilebaye was allegedly being physically attacked by Emmanuel Odiniya, her father.
According to the statement, the emergency report was received at about midnight on May 9, 2026.
“On the 9th of May, 2026, at about 12:00 a.m., the FCT Police Command responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye, Abuja, reporting an ongoing physical assault on Ilebaye Odiniya Emmanuel by her father, Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya,” the statement read.
The Police stated that police officers initially faced challenges gaining access to the premises because the gate to the compound had been locked.
It explained that after repeated attempts, security operatives were eventually able to enter the compound around 2:30 a.m.
“Following the report, a patrol team from Wuye Division, supported by operatives of the Department of Operations, FCT Police Command, was immediately deployed to the scene.
“The command’s Police Public Relations Officer was also present to monitor the operation.
“After several attempts, access was gained into the compound at about 2:30 a.m. Ilebaye Odiniya, who was found with visible bruises, was rescued alongside her brothers and rushed to NNPC Hospital, Abuja, where she received medical attention,” the statement added.
The police further confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya has since been taken into custody while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
“Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody, while a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement noted.
The incident sparked widespread reactions on social media after videos emerged online showing Ilebaye in an emotional live broadcast on Saturday morning.
In the footage, which circulated widely across social media platforms, the BBNaija star appeared visibly distressed, crying and repeatedly calling for help, while swelling could be seen on parts of her face as several men stood around her.
The development has since generated intense public concern, with many fans and social media users calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
