The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya, father of Big Brother Naija Season 8 winner Ilebaye Odiniya, following an alleged assault incident that reportedly occurred at the family residence in Abuja.
The command disclosed that the arrest followed a distress call received in the early hours of Saturday from Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye, Abuja, reporting that the reality television star was being physically assaulted.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said officers were immediately mobilised to the scene after the emergency report was received.
According to her, “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.”
Adeh stated that a patrol team from the Wuye Police Division, alongside operatives of the Department of Operations, was deployed to the residence to intervene in the situation.
“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,” she said.
She added that the command’s Police Public Relations Officer was also present during the operation to supervise developments.
The police spokesperson explained that operatives initially encountered difficulty accessing the premises because the gate to the residence had been 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,” Adeh stated.
The police further confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya is currently being held 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 added.
The incident comes amid widespread concern on social media after Ilebaye appeared in an emotional live video session during the early hours of Saturday.
In the viral video, the BBNaija star was reportedly seen crying and calling for help while displaying visible swelling on her face. She was also heard pleading with viewers to come to her aid as some men surrounded her during the altercation.
The development has since generated reactions online, with fans and supporters expressing concern over her safety and wellbeing.
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