Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command arrested Emmanuel Odiniya, the father of former Big Brother Naija housemate Ilebaye, on suspicion of domestic violence. The arrest follows a distress call received by police on the night of Friday, after a video of the alleged assault went viral on social media.
According to a statement released on Saturday by SP Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, the incident was reported at approximately 12:00 a.m. from Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye, Abuja. The caller indicated that Ilebaye, whose full name is Ilebaye Odiniya Emmanuel, was being physically assaulted by her father, Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya.
A patrol unit from the Wuye Division, assisted by operatives from the Department of Operations, was dispatched immediately. Upon arrival, officers found the residence gate locked and required several attempts before gaining entry at around 2:30 a.m. Inside, they discovered Ilebaye with visible bruises, along with her brothers. The victims were rescued and transported to NNPC Hospital in Abuja for medical treatment.
Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya was taken into police custody at the scene. The FCT Police Command confirmed that an investigation is underway to ascertain the full circumstances of the assault and any related offences.
The case has drawn attention to domestic‑violence issues in Nigeria, especially after the original video—showing the alleged attack—was circulated widely on Instagram during a livestream on Friday night. The public outcry prompted swift police action and an official response from the command’s spokesperson.
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward and have reiterated their commitment to protecting victims of domestic abuse. The investigation’s findings will determine any further legal proceedings against Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya.
