The father of Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya has been released from police custody following his arrest over an alleged assault on the reality TV star. Emmanuel Odiniya was detained in the early hours of May 9 after a viral video showed his daughter crying for help with visible facial swelling. The FCT police assault investigation continues, but Odiniya is no longer in custody. The reality star’s mother, Lami, confirmed the release while revealing new details about a family fractured by a 32-year marriage that has since ended in court.
Ilebayo visited her father’s residence in the Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye, Abuja, just before her 24th birthday. The visit had two purposes: to ask her father questions and to see her two younger brothers, aged 11 and 14, who attend boarding school. What began as a conversation escalated when Odiniya accused his daughter of being manipulated by her mother.
A midnight Instagram Live broadcast showed the reality star in visible distress. She was heard pleading for help as her father stood over her. Police responded to a distress call at approximately 12:00 a.m., but officers found the compound gate locked. Access was finally gained around 2:30 a.m.
Officers rescued Ilebaye and her brothers from the residence. She was transported to NNPC Hospital in Abuja, where medical staff administered multiple intravenous drips to stabilize her condition. She has since been discharged. Her father was taken into custody initially.
Lami confirmed that police released Odiniya following his arrest. However, a significant legal complication has emerged. A court had previously granted Odiniya full custody of the couple’s two sons following the dissolution of their 32-year marriage. When police briefly handed the boys to Lami after the arrest, authorities later demanded their return, citing the existing court order.
The FCT police assault investigation remains open, though attempts to reach police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh for updated comment were unsuccessful. Ilebaye’s mother denied online speculation that her daughter was under the influence of drugs during the incident. The family now faces both a criminal investigation and an ongoing custody battle. For Ilebaye, her 24th birthday arrives not with celebration, but with recovery and unanswered questions about what justice will look like.
