Ex-Big Brother Naija winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, alongside family members, including her father Emmanuel, and one of her brothers, have been hospitalised in Yabisam Hospital, Lugbe. They were hospitalised following a confrontation between Ilebaye and her father which she shared in an emotional livestream video where she was crying out for help.
This was confirmed by Sunday Scoop in a phone conversation with the Federal Capital Territory Police Public Relation Officer, Josephine Adeh.
She said, “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.”
Adeh also noted in a further statement sent to Sunday Scoop, “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 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.”
Recall that the viral video shared by Ilebaye sparked concern among fans in the early hours of Saturday.
The livestream triggered reactions online, with friends, colleagues, fans and followers expressing concern over her safety and demanding urgent intervention.
Hours later, her colleague Beauty Tukura posted that she had been rescued. Tukura wrote, “ She’s no longer in harm’s way. Thank God,” adding that “It’s not my story to tell, but thanks, everyone. Ilebaye is fine, and she’ll tell her story in her time. Thanks, everyone.”
Also reacting to her video, Venita Akpofure tweeted, “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 TR**MATIC 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.”
The FCT Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of her father, Emmanuel, over the alleged assault.
In the statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Adeh, the police disclosed that officers responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye, Abuja, at about midnight.
“After several attempts, access was gained into the compound at about 2:30 a.m. Ms Ilebaye, who was found with visible bruises, was rescued alongside her brothers and rushed to NNPC Hospital, Abuja, where she received medical attention,” she stated.
The police spokesperson further confirmed that Emmanuel was currently in police custody while investigations into the incident continued.
“Hon. Emmanuel is currently in police custody, while a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement added.
Phyna, who has been very vocal about the matter, noted that Ilebaye’s father has been released in the early hours of Saturday, May 9, 2026. She took to her X to tweet, “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.” Phyna went on to note that before she posts anything online, she gets the approval of Ilebaye and her mother.
The incident has since generated widespread reactions on social media, with many fans expressing shock over the development and sending messages of support to the reality TV star. Many people have come to sympathise with Ilebaye, while others call for detailed information from both parties involved before jumping to conclusions.
A user, ms_pse wrote on Instagram “It is well….wetin she sef do….because she’s a celebrity doesn’t mean her father can’t discipline her…maybe her lifestyle isn’t pleasing to the man and he’s tired of complaining…he’s an African man remember….you have to choose one…if you want to live the type of life you want and you know your parents doesn’t support it…stay away from them completely until you find a way to sort it out….You can’t say because you’re now a celebrity they should now bow to anything you say or do without questions….yes the beating is much, but what led to that…Did you talk back to him???” while Iamdesea wrote, “We have to hear from the father first before we conclude.”
On the other hand, ujuanikwe commented, “No excuse for beating your daughter like a thief, your own daughter! Never knew such fathers exist,” and _thereal_mide wrote, “This is wrong in all Ways…
No child deserves to be treated like this.”
As of the time of filing this report, Ilebaye had yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
