BBNaija Winner Ilebaye’s Father Released Following Domestic Altercation
Lami Odiniya, mother of Big Brother Naija “All Stars” winner Ilebaye, has confirmed that the reality star’s father, Emmanuel Odiniya, was released from police custody today, May 9, 2026. Mr. Odiniya was detained earlier this morning at the Wuye Divisional Police Station in Abuja following a distress call and the circulation of a viral video showing Ilebaye with visible facial injuries. The incident occurred on the reality star’s 24th birthday after she visited her father’s residence to see her younger brothers.
According to Lami, the dispute was rooted in a deeply fractured family dynamic following the end of the couple’s 32-year marriage. She alleged that an argument broke out when Mr. Odiniya accused Ilebaye of being negatively influenced by her mother, leading to a physical confrontation. Following the father’s arrest at approximately 2:30 a.m., the police temporarily handed their two sons, aged 11 and 14, to Lami, but the boys were returned to their father by 9:00 a.m. in accordance with a subsisting court custody order.
In the wake of the incident, Ilebaye was taken to a hospital in Abuja where she was treated for her injuries and stabilized with intravenous drips. Lami explicitly dismissed online rumors suggesting that her daughter was under the influence of drugs during the altercation, clarifying that Ilebaye has since been discharged. The FCT Police had reportedly faced resistance from security dogs at the residence before successfully rescuing Ilebaye and her siblings from the compound.
While the police have enforced the existing custody arrangement for the younger children, the investigation into the alleged assault continues. The General Manager of LASTMA and other officials have not commented on this private family matter, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the FCT Police Command. For now, the reality star is focusing on her recovery as the family navigates the legal and personal fallout of the birthday tragedy.
