BBNaija All Stars 2023 winner Ilebaye Odiniya sent social media into a frenzy on Saturday morning after appearing in a distressing Instagram livestream, showing visible swelling on her face and repeatedly crying for help.
In clips from the now-viral video, Ilebaye — seen in what was described as a house in Abuja — can be heard saying: “Nigerians help me, I need to go. I need to leave this house, I’m being locked up. I’m tired of assault, please come and help me.”
In another moment, she said: “Come and open the door, I want to be going,” before breaking down in tears. A man was visible standing behind her in the footage.
Tacha Calls for Urgent Intervention
Former BBNaija housemate Tacha Akide was among the first celebrities to respond. She posted on Instagram: “I really just want to know who is in Abuja right now, that can take the police to Ilebaye’s house. Ilebaye’s face has been ruined. I don’t even know who did it but from the video I have seen they are really brutal.”
Fellow reality star Beauty Tukura later shared an update on X: “It’s not my story to tell but thanks everyone. Ilebaye is fine and she’ll tell her story in her time. Thanks everyone.”
Fans React, Allege Father Involved
As clips spread across X on Saturday, many users alleged the assault involved Ilebaye’s father, though neither Ilebaye nor any law enforcement authority had officially confirmed who the perpetrator was as of Saturday afternoon.
X user @sirminzy wrote: “I remember how Ilebaye won the last HOH game during the All Stars season. That endurance test wasn’t just a natural test of time. It legit came out of the abuse she had to endure in her father’s house.”
@mumaijay was direct: “Ilebaye is 23 years old, so you can’t call what she went through discipline. It’s assault.”
@OreAkinde wrote: “Kai, I’m actually so so sad for Ilebaye. The fact that she had to go live and he didn’t stop beating her regardless of the camera.”
@Chydee added: “I don’t know what happened and I don’t care, but Ilebaye’s father will do jail.”
No Police Statement Yet
As of Saturday afternoon, no official police statement had been released and Ilebaye’s management team had not issued a formal response. The exact circumstances remain unclear. Several unverified claims about Ilebaye’s family situation circulated in X Spaces, but these have not been independently confirmed.
Ilebaye had previously spoken on Big Brother Naija about growing up in a strict household. Beauty Tukura’s assurance that she is “fine” has provided some reassurance to fans, but many are calling on authorities to follow up and ensure her safety.
Sources: The News Chronicle, Nigerian Bulletin, Kemi Filani, Punch
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