Nollywood filmmaker and activist Stanley Ajemba, popularly known as Stanley Ontop, has been released from police custody after spending a night at the Delta State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba.
His arrest on Tuesday stemmed from a defamation petition reportedly filed by fellow actress Queeneth Hilbeth, a development that quickly ignited widespread backlash on social media.
Celebrities, activists and fans rallied online, accusing the police of being used as an instrument of personal intimidation and demanding that the filmmaker be released immediately.
Sources confirmed that Stanley regained his freedom on Wednesday evening, less than 24 hours after being detained, though details of the terms of his release were not immediately disclosed.
The actor later announced his freedom in a video shared on Instagram, where he appeared energetic and defiant, shouting: “We are out, we’re out, we’re out! The struggle continues… Aluta continua.”
He expressed gratitude to his supporters, thanking his legal team, family, and fans for what he described as “massive love” throughout the ordeal.
The incident has renewed conversations within Nollywood about the use of law enforcement in civil disputes and the increasing frequency of defamation-related arrests involving public figures.
