Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called on the Nigeria Police Force to release three individuals arrested over alleged defamatory online reports involving Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Sowore argued that publishing claims about a public figure’s marital status does not amount to a criminal offence that justifies arrest or detention.
“We must continue to remind the Nigerian Police Force… that it is not a criminal offense warranting arrest or detention for bloggers to report that @TonyOElumelu, Chairman of @UBAGroup, has reportedly divorced his wife,” he wrote.
He added that such matters fall under civil law and should not trigger police intervention, calling for the immediate release of Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky).
Sowore’s reaction followed a statement from UBA dismissing the viral claim as false and defamatory.
In a statement signed by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, the institution described the report as “fabricated, reckless, and malicious,” insisting it was intended to mislead the public and damage reputations.
“The attention of UBA Group has been drawn to a false, defamatory, and malicious publication currently circulating on social media platforms, falsely alleging that the Group Chairman, Mr Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has divorced his wife,” the statement read.
The bank confirmed that law enforcement authorities had been notified, leading to the arrest of three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and spread of the content.
It further warned individuals and platforms sharing the publication to desist immediately, delete the content, and preserve related materials for possible legal action, noting that non-compliance could attract civil and criminal consequences.
Elijah Adeyemi
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