The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Odiniya, father of 2023 Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, following an alleged assault incident in Abuja.
Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said officers responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye, in the early hours of Saturday after reports of ongoing violence at the residence.
The incident came after a video began circulating online showing Ilebaye in distress during an Instagram live session. In the footage, she appeared injured, with visible swelling on her face, while calling for help.
Fellow reality TV stars including Beauty Takura, Phyna and Tacha reacted online and called for urgent intervention.
Beauty later confirmed that Ilebaye was safe, while Phyna wrote on X, “Thank you so much ma’am PRO, SP JOSEPHINE ADEH, for your swift reply to me last night. You helped us save Baye thank you ma’am
Happy birthday Illebaye ”
In its official statement, the FCT Police Command said officers were deployed immediately after receiving the distress call.
“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.
The police said access to the residence was initially delayed due to a locked gate but was later forced open.
“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,” SP Adeh added.
The command confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya is in custody while investigations continue.
In a later update, Phyna alleged that the police released Ilebaye’s father and returned two younger siblings to him, questioning the handling of the case.
