Dare Babalola
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested Emmanuel Odiniya, father of Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, over the alleged assault of his daughter in Abuja.
The incident came to public attention after the 25-year-old reality TV star went live on Instagram around midnight on Saturday, appearing emotional and visibly distressed while calling for help.
A video from the session, which quickly circulated on social media, showed Ilebaye in tears with noticeable swelling on her face, sparking widespread concern among fans and the public.
Confirming the arrest, the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, in a statement said officers responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye, Abuja, in the early hours of Saturday.
She said, “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.”
According to her, a patrol team from the Wuye Division, supported by operatives of the Department of Operations, was immediately deployed to the location, while the Police Public Relations Officer monitored the operation.
Adeh explained that officers initially faced resistance upon arrival because the gate to the residence 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.
She added that Emmanuel Odiniya has been taken into police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Honourable Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody, while a thorough investigation is ongoing,” the police spokesperson stated.
