Police Arrest Ilebaye’s Father After Disturbing Midnight Incident In Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Odiniya, father of former Big Brother Naija winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, after officers responded to an emergency report of an alleged assault at a residence in Abuja.

The incident, which reportedly unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, sparked widespread concern online after a distressing livestream involving the reality TV star circulated across social media platforms.

Confirming the development, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the distress call was received 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 read.

According to the police, officers attached to the Wuye Division, alongside operatives from the Department of Operations, were immediately deployed to the scene, while the Police Public Relations Officer personally monitored the operation.

Authorities disclosed that gaining access to the residence initially proved difficult 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 eventually rescued alongside her brothers and was found with visible bruises. She was subsequently taken to the NNPC Hospital in Abuja for medical treatment.

The Command further confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The official police statement comes hours after concern erupted online over Ilebaye’s emotional livestream, where the former reality show winner appeared visibly distressed, crying and repeatedly calling for help.

The video triggered panic among fans, celebrities and fellow reality TV personalities, many of whom demanded urgent intervention after allegations of assault surfaced online.

Public figures including Tacha Akide and Beauty Tukura also reacted publicly as anxiety mounted over Ilebaye’s safety.

Beauty later assured supporters that the reality star was safe and would speak about the incident when she was ready.

The incident has since reignited conversations around domestic violence, family disputes and the importance of rapid emergency response in cases involving abuse allegations.

As police investigations continue, many supporters have expressed relief that authorities intervened and removed Ilebaye from the situation safely.