The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Odiniya following an alleged assault involving his daughter, Ilebaye Odiniya, in Abuja.
The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, saying officers responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate in the early hours of the day.
According to the police, authorities received reports that Ilebaye was allegedly 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 read.
Adeh said a patrol team from Wuye Division, supported by operatives of the Department of Operations, was immediately deployed to the scene, while the command’s Police Public Relations Officer also monitored the operation.
She explained that officers initially encountered difficulty accessing the compound as 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, where she received medical attention,” Adeh stated.
Police said Emmanuel Odiniya remains in custody as investigations 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 added.
The incident sparked widespread reactions on social media after Ilebaye appeared in an emotional live video on Saturday morning. In clips circulating online, the reality television star was seen crying and repeatedly calling for help, with visible swelling on her face as several men were seen around her.
