The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Odiniya, father of 2023 Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, over an alleged assault incident involving the reality television star.
Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, revealing that police operatives responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye, Abuja, during the early hours of the day.
According to the statement, the police received reports that Ilebaye was being physically assaulted by her father at the residence.
“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 Ms Ilebaye Odiniya Emmanuel by her father, Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya,” the statement read.
“A patrol team from Wuye Division, alongside operatives of the Department of Operations, FCT Police Command, was immediately sent to the scene.
“The command’s Police Public Relations Officer was also present to monitor the operation.”
According to the Police spokesperson, officers initially encountered difficulty gaining access into the compound because the gate was locked.
“After several attempts, access was gained into the compound at about 2:30 a.m. Ms Ilebaye Odiniya, who was found with visible bruises, was rescued alongside her brothers and rushed to NNPC Hospital, Abuja, where she received medical attention,” she said.
Police confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya remains in custody while investigations into the incident continue.
“Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody, while a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement concluded.
The incident attracted widespread attention after Ilebaye appeared in an emotional live video on Saturday morning, where she was seen crying and repeatedly calling for help, with visible swelling on her face as some men surrounded her.
