The father of Big Brother Naija winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, has reacted to allegations that he assaulted his daughter, stating that the incident followed a heated family disagreement that escalated.
Emmanuel Odiniya reportedly told authorities that the confrontation was not premeditated but arose during a tense exchange at their Abuja residence. While he did not publicly issue a detailed statement, sources familiar with the case say he maintained that the situation got out of control during the argument.
Emmanuel Odiniya later addressed the situation in a voice note that circulated online. He said the clash wasn’t about hate, but frustration over how their relationship changed after Ilebaye won BBNaija All Stars. He claimed he supported her campaign heavily and felt she became distant and disrespectful afterward. He also expressed concern about her decision to get cosmetic procedures at her age.
The incident gained public attention after a viral video showed Ilebaye in distress, prompting intervention from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed that officers responded to a distress call in Wuye in the early hours of May 9, 2026. Upon arrival, they forced entry into the residence and rescued the reality star along with her siblings.
According to the police, Ilebaye was found with visible injuries and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. Her father was arrested at the scene and remains in custody as investigations continue.
Authorities have not released a full official statement from Odiniya, but they confirmed that he will be questioned further once all parties involved are medically stable.
The police also disclosed that other members of the household sustained injuries during the altercation, suggesting that the incident involved multiple individuals and escalated beyond a verbal disagreement.
Since the video surfaced online, the case has drawn widespread reactions, with many Nigerians calling for accountability while others urge caution until the investigation is concluded.
As of the latest update, Ilebaye is said to be in stable condition, while the police continue to piece together the sequence of events.
Officials have reiterated that the matter remains under investigation and have advised the public to avoid speculation until all facts are established.
