Ex-BBNaija Winner Ilebaye Odiniya has raised concerns across social media after appearing in a distressing Instagram livestream, in the early hours of Saturday, May 9, where she repeatedly cried for help while showing visible swelling on her face.
The reality television star, who won the 2023 edition of Big Brother Naija All Stars, was seen in the now-viral video shouting and pleading to leave a house believed to be in Abuja, while a man stood behind her.
“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,” she said during the livestream.
In another moment from the video, Ilebaye could be heard saying, “Come and open the door, I want to be going,” before breaking down in tears.
As clips from the livestream spread across X on Saturday morning, many users claimed she had been physically assaulted by her father. However, neither Ilebaye nor law enforcement authorities had officially confirmed the identity of the person involved as of Saturday afternoon.
Former BBNaija housemate Tacha Akide publicly called for urgent intervention after watching the clips.
“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,” Tacha said on Instagram.
Hours later, fellow reality star Beauty Tukura shared an update, writing:
“It’s not my story to tell but thanks everyone. Ilebaye is fine and she’ll tell her story in her time. Thanks everyone,” Beauty wrote on X.
As the videos spread through Saturday morning, reactions continued pouring in from users discussing domestic violence, family abuse and trauma.
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.”
Another user, @symply_kimm, posted:
“This is Ilebaye father thanking the public when she won all star back then. Fast forward to now he is beating her to the point of death because she went to spend her birthday with her siblings.”
@mumaijay wrote:
“Ilebaye is 23 years old, so you can’t call what she went through discipline. It’s assault.”
Another widely shared post from @OreAkinde read:
“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.”
X user @muheediva01 connected the incident to broader conversations around parenting and violence.
“Reading comments under recent viral Ilebaye’s video and I can boldly say, 80% Nigerian youths were raised by abusive parents,” the user wrote.
Another post from @Chydee stated:
“I don’t know what happened and I don’t care, but Ilebaye’s father will do jail.”
Some users also referred to claims made during X Spaces discussions, including allegations involving Ilebaye’s family situation and younger siblings. However, those claims remain unverified.
Sadly, domestic violence and abusive parenting in Nigeria is not new. Several users noted that Ilebaye had previously spoken during her time on Big Brother Naija about growing up in a strict household.
Despite the uncertainty, Beauty Tukura’s statement that “Ilebaye is fine” has provided some reassurance to fans.
No official police statement had been released, and Ilebaye’s management team had not issued a formal response. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident also remain unclear.
