The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Odiniya, father of 2023 Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, over an alleged assault involving the reality TV star.

Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed the development in a statement released on Saturday, revealing that officers responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye, Abuja, during the early hours of the day.

According to the statement, authorities received reports that Ilebaye was allegedly being physically assaulted by her father at the residence.

“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,” the statement read.

The police added that officers from the Wuye Division, alongside operatives of the Department of Operations, were immediately deployed to the scene, while the command’s Police Public Relations Officer monitored the operation.

According to SP Adeh, officers initially faced difficulty gaining access into the compound 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 stated.

Police confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in custody as 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 attracted widespread attention after Ilebaye appeared in an emotional live video circulating online on Saturday morning. In the footage, the reality star was seen crying and repeatedly calling for help, while visible swelling appeared on her face as some men surrounded her.

​FCT Police Command Detains Emmanuel Odiniya for Alleged Attack on Daughter Ilebaye

FCT Police Command Detains Emmanuel Odiniya for Alleged Attack on Daughter Ilebaye