The activist was picked up without any formal charge, warrant, or explanation.
Human rights activist, Stanley Ajemba, commonly known as Stanley Ontop, who was illegally arrested on Thursday by officers of the Nigerian Police Force in Asaba, Delta State, and forcefully transported to Enugu State, has regained his freedom.
The activist was picked up without any formal charge, warrant, or explanation.
His sudden disappearance had sparked outrage among activists, civil society groups, and members of the public who described the arrest as part of a growing pattern of police intimidation targeted at vocal citizens and pro-democracy campaigners.
Upon learning of the arrest, Omoyele Sowore, renowned human rights defender, promptly intervened.
Sowore engaged relevant authorities and mobilised public pressure, demanding Ontop’s immediate release and condemning the unlawful transfer across state lines.
His intervention had proved decisive.
Within hours, the police authorities in Enugu were compelled to grant Ontop bail, effectively restoring his freedom and halting further violations of his rights.
Speaking after his release, Ontop expressed gratitude to all who stood by him, particularly lauding Sowore for his unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.
SaharaReporters had reported that an actress identified as Queen Hilbert allegedly used the Nigeria Police to arrest filmmaker Stanley Ajemba Ontop.
This was after the actress reportedly threatened to deal with him during a social media exchange in which she allegedly called him "gay."
A close associate of the filmmaker had told SaharaReporters on Thursday that the arrest stemmed from a heated social media exchange, leading to a confrontation between the two entertainers.
According to the associate, Hilbert reportedly vowed to deal with him, a threat that materialised when police operatives picked up Stanley Ontop and detained him at the Delta State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Asaba.
“The name of the lady is Queeneth Hilbert,” the associate said.
“She threatened to deal with him and now used the police to get him arrested.”
Meanwhile, the filmmaker was arrested on Tuesday following a petition reportedly filed by the actress.
However, Stanley Ontop regained his freedom on Wednesday evening after spending a night in the SCID cell.
His associate had confirmed that he was released after undergoing police questioning.
In a video posted on Instagram shortly after his release, a visibly excited Ontop announced his return, chanting: “We are out, we’re out, we’re out. The struggle continues, no leave no transfer. Aluta continua. Thanks to my team and family. The love was massive.”