Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to release three individuals arrested over alleged defamatory 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 constitute a criminal offence warranting arrest or detention.
“We must continue to remind the Nigerian Nigeria 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.
“At most, such a matter falls within the realm of civil law and does not justify police action or repression. The @PoliceNG must therefore immediately release Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky),” he added.
Sowore’s comments followed a statement by UBA dismissing as false and defamatory a viral claim alleging that Elumelu had divorced his wife, Awele.
In the 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,” stressing that it was designed 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.
UBA further confirmed that law enforcement agencies had been notified, leading to the arrest of three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and dissemination of the content.
“The matter has been referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities, who have commenced action. We confirm that three individuals directly connected to the creation and dissemination of these malicious falsehoods have been arrested,” it stated.
The bank also warned individuals and platforms sharing the content to desist, directing them to remove the публикации and preserve related materials for potential legal proceedings, while noting that failure to comply could attract civil and criminal action.
The development has sparked debate over the limits of free speech, defamation laws, and the role of law enforcement in disputes involving online publications.
