Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to free three individuals detained over alleged defamatory content linked to Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA).
In a Facebook post on Monday, Sowore maintained that reporting claims about a public figure’s marital status should not be treated as a criminal matter deserving 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 reaction comes after UBA refuted a widely circulated report alleging that Elumelu had separated from his wife, Awele, describing the claim as false and defamatory.
In a statement issued by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, the institution condemned the publication as misleading and harmful to 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 disclosed that security agencies had been alerted to the matter, resulting in the arrest of three suspects believed to be connected to the creation and spread of the content.
READ ALSO: Three Nabbed For Spreading False Divorce News About Tony Elumelu
“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 cautioned individuals and platforms against continuing to circulate the report, urging them to delete the content and retain any related materials that may be required for legal proceedings.
It warned that failure to comply could lead to both civil and criminal consequences.
The incident has ignited broader discussions around the boundaries of free speech, the application of defamation laws, and the role of law enforcement in handling disputes arising from online publications.