BBNaija’s Ilebaye hospitalised, father arrested over alleged assault

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested Emmanuel Odiniya, father of 2023 Big Brother Naija winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, following a distress call alleging the physical assault of his daughter.

 

The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrest occurred in the early hours of the day in Abuja.

 

According to the statement, police operatives responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye, Abuja, reporting an ongoing assault.

 

“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.

 

“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 statement read.

 

Adeh said officers initially faced difficulty gaining access to the residence 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 added.

 

The police spokesperson confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in custody while investigations 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 stated.

 

The development followed public concern after Ilebaye appeared in an emotional live video in the early hours of Saturday, allegedly showing her being assaulted.

 

In the video, the reality TV star was seen crying and pleading for help, with visible swelling on her face.