Nollywood actor and filmmaker Stanley Ajemba, widely known as Stanley Ontop, has been arrested and detained by the Delta State Police Command following an allegation of defamation filed against him by fellow actress Queeneth Hilbeth.
The filmmaker was reportedly taken into custody on Tuesday and held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba. His arrest has sparked criticism from associates and activists, who accuse the police of being used to settle personal disputes within the entertainment industry.
Activist Mama Pee, a close ally of Stanley, publicly raised concerns on Instagram, sharing a series of posts alleging that Hilbeth was using the police to “harass and intimidate” the filmmaker. She questioned why the matter was not brought before a court.
Her posts also called for Stanley’s immediate release, insisting that both parties are public figures and should resolve their differences through legal channels rather than police detention. “Free Stanley Ontop,” she wrote, tagging the actress at the centre of the petition.
Mama Pee argued that defamation cases are civil matters typically handled by courts, not criminal arrests. She queried the rationale behind holding the filmmaker in custody, directing her criticism at both the petitioner and the Delta State Police.
The police have yet to issue an official statement detailing the circumstances of the arrest or the specifics of the allegation. Meanwhile, the incident has fuelled debate online about the misuse of law enforcement to settle celebrity disputes.
The case continues to draw strong reactions across the Nollywood community, with many calling for due process and urging both parties to allow the courts to resolve the matter.
