Lami Odiniya, mother of Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye, has confirmed that the reality TV star’s father, Emmanuel Odiniya, has been released from police custody.
Mr. Odiniya was detained at the Wuye Divisional Police Station early today, May 9, following the circulation of a viral video showing a physically assaulted Ilebaye. In the footage, the reality star appeared distressed with a swollen face while her father stood over her.
According to Lami, the altercation occurred when Ilebaye visited her father to see her younger brothers and ask questions ahead of her 24th birthday, which falls today. The mother alleged that the conversation escalated when Mr. Odiniya accused Ilebaye of being “engineered” by her mother.
The incident has highlighted a fractured family dynamic following the end of the couple’s 32-year marriage. Lami disclosed that a court granted Mr. Odiniya custody of their two sons, aged 11 and 14.
However, following the father’s arrest this morning, the boys were briefly handed to her. She said at about 9am, the Police ordered the boys’ return to their father’s home, citing the existing court order.
Lami dismissed online rumors claiming her daughter was under the influence of drugs during the incident. She confirmed that Ilebaye has been discharged from the hospital after being treated with multiple intravenous drips to stabilize her condition.
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls at the time of filing this report.
