The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has taken Emmanuel Odiniya, the father of former “Big Brother Naija” contestant Ilebaye, into custody on suspicion of domestic violence.
The arrest follows a widely shared video that showed Odiniya violently assaulting his daughter during an Instagram livestream on Friday night. The clip prompted numerous calls for help, leading to a police response early Saturday.
According to Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh, officers were alerted at approximately 12:00 a.m. to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye, Abuja, reporting an ongoing physical assault on Ms. Ilebaye Odiniya by her father, Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya. A patrol team from the Wuye Division, assisted by the Department of Operations, was dispatched to the scene, with the public relations officer present to oversee the operation.
Upon arrival, police found the residence’s gate locked. After several attempts, they gained entry at about 2:30 a.m. Inside, officers discovered Ms. Ilebaye with visible bruises, along with her brothers. The victims were immediately taken to NNPC Hospital in Abuja for medical treatment.
Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya is now detained pending further investigation. The police are conducting a thorough inquiry to establish the full circumstances of the incident and to determine any additional legal action.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about domestic violence in Nigeria and highlights the role of social media in bringing such incidents to public attention. Authorities have urged anyone witnessing similar abuse to report it promptly, emphasizing that swift police intervention can be critical in protecting victims.
