Nollywood actor and producer, Frederick Nnaemeka Leonard, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force against fellow actor and producer Stanley Chibueze Ajemba, popularly known as Stanley On Top, over what he described as continuous defamatory and libellous statements.
Leonard made this known after sharing a copy of the petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Asaba, on his Instagram page. In the post, the actor stated that legal action had commenced and warned that the matter would be pursued to its full legal extent.
According to the petition filed by Leonard’s legal representatives, Mr Ajemba has allegedly engaged in a sustained campaign of unprovoked attacks against Leonard for more than two years. The lawyers described the claims as false, unfounded, and damaging to their client’s reputation.
The petition noted that Leonard is a well-known Nollywood actor and producer whose career and public image have been built over many years. It is alleged that repeated publications by Mr Ajemba have undermined Leonard’s integrity and created negative impressions that could result in loss of earnings if left unchecked.
Mr Ajemba, who is also active within the Nigerian film industry as an actor and producer, is described in the petition as a self-styled actors’ rights activist. Leonard’s lawyers, however, argued that advocacy does not justify the spread of allegations that allegedly lack evidence and harm another individual’s reputation.
“It is our brief that the said Mr Stanley Chibueze Ajemba has made several unfounded allegations that seriously undermine our client’s integrity,” the petition stated, adding that the publications have misled members of the public and injured Leonard’s standing within the industry.
The legal team cited sections 373 to 381 of the Criminal Code Act, applicable in Southern Nigeria, which deal with the offence of defamation, including slander and libel. They also referenced the 1999 Constitution, noting that while section 39 guarantees freedom of expression, section 45 places limits on that freedom where it infringes on the rights and reputation of others.
Based on these provisions, Leonard’s lawyers asked the police to intervene by conducting an independent investigation into the alleged defamatory statements. They further requested that Mr Ajemba be invited for questioning over what they described as utterances made in clear violation of their client’s rights.
The petition also demanded that Mr Ajemba issue a written apology within seven days, retract the alleged statements and take down all publications targeting Leonard. The lawyers warned that failure to comply would leave their client with no choice but to explore all legal remedies available to him.
In the caption, Leonard publicly named Mr Ajemba and declared that he had been served. He added that the law would take its course and stressed that anyone who makes allegations must be prepared to prove them with evidence.
Stanley On Top is known for his outspoken views on Nollywood issues and regularly comments on industry affairs.
As of the time of filing this report, Mr Ajemba had not issued a public response to the petition. The Delta State Police Command has also not confirmed whether action has been taken on the matter.
