Police Release Ilebaye’s Father, Enforce Custody Order

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has released Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya, father of Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, following his brief detention over an alleged domestic altercation.

His release was confirmed by his estranged wife, Mrs Lami Odiniya, who disclosed that the incident was tied to a fractured family dynamic following the dissolution of their 32-year marriage.

Hon. Odiniya had been detained at the Wuye Divisional Police Headquarters earlier on Saturday, May 9, after a viral video surfaced showing the reality star in a distressed state with facial injuries.

Providing context to the dispute, Mrs Odiniya alleged that the altercation began when Ilebaye visited her father’s residence at Royal Anchor Estate to see her younger brothers ahead of her 24th birthday. She claimed the situation escalated during a disagreement regarding the children’s upbringing and parental influence.

While the two younger sons, aged 11 and 14, were briefly handed over to their mother following the father’s arrest at 2:30 a.m., the police have since enforced a subsisting court order.

“At about 9:00 a.m., the Police ordered the boys’ return to their father’s home, citing the existing court order,” Mrs Odiniya stated.

The police had earlier rescued Ilebaye and her brothers from the compound after facing initial resistance and being confronted by security dogs. The reality star was subsequently taken to the NNPC Hospital in Abuja for medical treatment.