The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Odiniya, father of Ilebaye Odiniya, following an alleged assault involving the reality television star in Abuja.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, saying police operatives responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye during the early hours of Friday.
According to the police, the report alleged that Ilebaye was being physically assaulted by her father at the residence.
“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 statement said.
Adeh explained that following the report, officers from the Wuye Police Division, alongside operatives from the Department of Operations, were immediately dispatched to the scene.
“Following the report, a patrol team from Wuye Division, supported by operatives of the Department of Operations, FCT Police Command, was immediately deployed to the scene.
“The command’s Police Public Relations Officer was also present to monitor the operation,” she added.
The police spokesperson disclosed that operatives initially encountered difficulty accessing the compound because the gate was locked.
“After several attempts, access was gained into the compound at about 2:30 a.m. Ms Ilebaye Odiniya, who was found with visible bruises, was rescued alongside her brothers and rushed to NNPC Hospital, Abuja, where she received medical attention,” Adeh stated.
She further confirmed that Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody while investigations into the incident continue.
“Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody, while a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement concluded.
