Ilebaye Hospitalised As Police Arrest Father For Assault

The winner of the 2023 Big Brother Naija reality show, Ilebaye Odiniya, has been hospitalised alongside her father and brother following a violent confrontation at their residence in Abuja. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 9, 2026, left the reality television star and several family members with significant injuries requiring urgent medical attention at Yabisam Hospital in the Lugbe area.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the development during a conversation with Sunday Scoop. Providing details on the situation, Adeh stated, “The man is in the hospital; he is sick. All of them were badly injured and are all in the hospital. We’ve not released anybody.” She further clarified that the authorities responded to a distress call from the Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye at approximately midnight. After a standoff at the gate that lasted over two hours, officers gained access to the compound at 2:30 a.m. where they found Ilebaye with visible bruises and swelling on her face.

In an official statement regarding the rescue operation, the police spokesperson noted, “Following the rescue of Ms. Ilebaye Odiniya (27 yrs) and her two brothers, Godson (14yrs) and Devin (10 yrs), they were rushed to Yabisam Hospital, Lugbe, alongside their father, who also sustained injuries during the confrontation, by the Area Commander Metro, ACP Ufomadu Georglyn.” The police confirmed that while the siblings are in protective custody, their father, Emmanuel Odiniya, remains under arrest while receiving treatment.

The situation gained public attention after Ilebaye shared an emotional livestream video in which she appeared to be under assault and was heard pleading for help. The footage triggered a massive wave of concern from fans and colleagues. Following the rescue, her colleague Beauty Tukura shared an update on social media saying, “She’s no longer in harm’s way. Thank God.” Tukura added that, “It’s not my story to tell, but thanks, everyone. Ilebaye is fine, and she’ll tell her story in her time.”

Reacting to the incident, fellow reality star Venita Akpofure expressed her disapproval of the violence. She stated, “As a father, there is absolutely no reason for some kind of levels of violence towards your own Children…ESPECIALLY the girl children. It’s sooooo TRMATIC and does psychological damage beyond repair! It affects how they relate and connect to men in their lives! & so much more. Heartbroken on her birthday too.”

Controversy emerged regarding the status of the father’s detention when another colleague, Phyna, claimed he had been released. She wrote on social media, “Baye’s dad just got released and the 2 younger brothers given back to him…. Please, what kind of style is this one, no investigation, no proper investigation; you left him to go home. Nigeria police.” However, the police command maintained that he remains in custody. Adeh emphasised, “The rescued siblings are currently in police protective custody, contrary to the circulation online, while their father, who is also receiving medical treatment, remains in police custody. Investigations are ongoing, and questioning will commence immediately all parties are certified medically stable by the attending medical doctors.”