The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Odiniya, father of former Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, following a distress call reporting an alleged physical assault at a residence in Abuja.
The development was disclosed on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, who said officers responded to the emergency in the early hours of the morning.
According to the police statement, the incident was reported around midnight on May 9, 2026, from Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye, Abuja.
“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,” the statement said.
Police explained that officers from the Wuye Division, supported by Department of Operations operatives, were immediately dispatched to the location.
The command also confirmed that its Public Relations Officer personally monitored the operation.
According to the statement, officers initially had difficulty accessing the residence because the compound gate was locked.
“After several attempts, access was gained into the compound at about 2:30 a.m.,” Adeh stated.
Police said Ilebaye was found with visible bruises and was rescued alongside her brothers before being taken to NNPC Hospital in Abuja for medical attention.
Authorities further confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The official confirmation comes hours after widespread concern online about Ilebaye’s distressing livestream, which quickly circulated across social media.
In the emotional video, the reality star was seen crying and repeatedly pleading for help while visibly distressed.
The livestream triggered panic among fans, celebrities, and fellow reality TV stars, with many demanding urgent intervention after allegations of assault began spreading online.
Several public figures, including Tacha Akide and Beauty Tukura, later reacted publicly as concern grew over her safety and whereabouts.
Beauty eventually reassured supporters that Ilebaye was no longer in danger and would share her story when ready.
The police statement now provides the first official law enforcement account of the incident.
The case has also reignited broader conversations around domestic violence, family conflict, and the importance of emergency response systems in situations involving abuse allegations.
As investigations continue, many online supporters have expressed relief that authorities intervened and removed the reality star safely from the situation.
For now, attention remains focused on the ongoing investigation and Ilebaye’s recovery following the disturbing incident that unfolded publicly before thousands of viewers online.
