The Federal Capital Territory 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.
Naija News reports that his release was confirmed by his estranged wife, Mrs Lami Odiniya, who said the incident was connected to a fractured family relationship after the dissolution of their 32-year marriage.
Odiniya was detained at the Wuye Divisional Police Headquarters earlier on Saturday, May 9, after a viral video showed Ilebaye in distress with facial injuries.
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 over the children’s upbringing and parental influence.
According to her, the two younger sons, aged 11 and 14, were briefly handed over to her after Odiniya’s arrest at about 2:30 am.
Mrs Odiniya said the police later enforced a subsisting court order and directed that the boys be returned to their father’s residence.
She stated, “At about 9:00 a.m., the Police ordered the boys’ return to their father’s home, citing the existing court order.”
The police had earlier rescued Ilebaye and her brothers from the compound after reportedly facing initial resistance and being confronted by security dogs.
Ilebaye was later taken to the NNPC Hospital in Abuja for medical treatment.
