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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

BBNaija's Ilebaye hospitalized; father arrested for assault - FCT Police

From The Punch · (38m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The FCT Police Command has arrested Emmanuel Odiniya, father of Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, for allegedly assaulting his daughter.
  • The arrest followed a distress call reporting a physical assault at their Abuja residence in the early hours of Saturday.
  • Ilebaye was rescued with visible bruises and received medical attention, while her father is in police custody pending investigation.

In a shocking turn of events, the father of 2023 Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, Emmanuel Odiniya, has been arrested by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command. The arrest, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday in Abuja, stems from allegations of physical assault against his daughter, Ilebaye. The incident has sent ripples of concern through the public, particularly among fans who had recently witnessed Ilebaye express distress during a livestream.

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.

— SP Josephine AdehFCT Police Spokesperson, detailing the police response to the distress call.

The police command detailed the operation, stating that officers responded to a distress call reporting an ongoing assault at the family's residence in Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye. Upon arrival, the patrol team, supported by specialized units, faced initial resistance as the residence's gate was locked. After gaining entry, officers found Ilebaye with visible injuries and immediately facilitated her rescue, along with her siblings. She was promptly taken to the NNPC Hospital for medical treatment.

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.

— SP Josephine AdehDescribing the rescue operation and Ilebaye's condition.

This incident brings a distressing personal crisis to the forefront for the reality TV star, following intense public concern generated by an earlier livestream. In that video, Ilebaye appeared visibly distressed, crying and pleading for help while showing signs of physical harm. The police have confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in custody, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to ascertain the full details and circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. The FCT Police Command assures the public that a thorough investigation is being conducted.

Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody, while a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

— SP Josephine AdehConfirming the father's arrest and the ongoing investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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