Lami Odiniya, mother of Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, 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 earlier today, May 9, following the circulation of a viral video showing an allegedly assaulted Ilebaye. In the footage, the reality star appeared visibly distressed with a swollen face while her father stood nearby.
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 is today. She alleged that the conversation escalated after Mr. Odiniya accused Ilebaye of being “engineered” by her mother.
The incident has drawn attention to the family’s strained relationship following the collapse of the couple’s 32-year marriage. Lami disclosed that a court had granted Mr. Odiniya custody of their two sons, aged 11 and 14. However, following his arrest this morning, the boys were briefly handed over to her. She added that at about 9 a.m., police ordered that the boys be returned to their father’s home, citing the existing court order.
Lami also dismissed online rumours claiming her daughter was under the influence of drugs during the incident. She confirmed that Ilebaye has since been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment, including multiple intravenous drips, to stabilize her condition.
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful as calls placed to her at the time of filing this report were not answered.
