The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested Emmanuel Odiniya, father of Big Brother Naija 2023 winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, following an alleged assault incident at her residence in Abuja.
The arrest was made in the early hours of Saturday after police reportedly responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate in the Wuye area of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, officers were alerted at about midnight over an alleged physical assault involving the reality TV star and her father.
“On May 9, 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,” Adeh said in a statement.
She explained that a patrol team from the Wuye Division, alongside operatives from the Department of Operations, was immediately mobilised to the location.
“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,” she stated.
Adeh disclosed that officers initially encountered difficulty accessing the premises 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,” Adeh said.
The development follows widespread concern on social media after Ilebaye reportedly appeared in an emotional livestream in the early hours of Saturday, visibly distressed and allegedly pleading for help during the incident. Reports indicated that she appeared with swelling on her face while calling for assistance.
