Drama in Abuja as BBNaija Winner Ilebaye Allegedly Assaulted, Father Arrested

Reality television star and Big Brother Naija Season 8 winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, has reportedly been hospitalised following an alleged assault incident involving her father, Emmanuel Odiniya, at their Abuja residence.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya was arrested after officers responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye during the early hours of Saturday.
According to the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, police operatives attached to the Wuye Division, alongside personnel from the Department of Operations, were dispatched to the residence shortly after midnight on May 9, 2026, following reports that the reality TV star was allegedly being assaulted.
Adeh explained that officers initially experienced difficulty entering the compound because the gate was locked. Access was eventually gained around 2:30 a.m.
Police said Ilebaye was discovered with visible bruises and was rescued alongside her brothers before being rushed to NNPC Hospital in Abuja for medical treatment.
In an official statement, the police noted that the operation was supervised by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer.
The statement partly read: “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 command further confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody while investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Before police intervention, concern had spread widely across social media after Ilebaye appeared in an emotional live video showing signs of distress. In the video, she was seen crying and calling for help while displaying noticeable swelling on her face.
The footage triggered reactions from fans and supporters, many of whom expressed concern over the wellbeing and safety of the BBNaija star.
Authorities say further details will be made available as investigations progress.