The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has reportedly taken Emmanuel Odiniya, father of 2023 Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) winner Ilebaye Odiniya, into custody following allegations of physical assault.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the police responded to a late-night distress report, which prompted immediate action. The incident is said to have occurred in the early hours of the day in Abuja.
The statement read, “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 command’s Police Public Relations Officer was also present to monitor the operation.”
According to Adeh, security operatives initially encountered difficulty accessing 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.
She further stated, “Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody, while a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The police action followed growing concern on social media after the reality TV personality reportedly appeared in an emotional livestream in the early hours of Saturday.
In the video, Ilebaye was allegedly seen crying and calling for help while displaying visible facial swelling as unidentified men surrounded her.
