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.
Sowore made the call in a Facebook post on Monday.
He argued that publishing claims about a public figure’s marital status does not amount to a criminal offence that should warrant arrest or detention.
“We must continue to remind the Nigeria Police Force that it is not a criminal offense warranting arrest or detention for bloggers to report that Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA, 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 Police must therefore immediately release Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky),” he added.
Sowore’s reaction followed a statement by UBA dismissing as false and defamatory a viral claim alleging that Elumelu had divorced his wife, Awele Elumelu.
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.
UBA said the publication 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 added that the matter had been referred to law enforcement authorities.
UBA confirmed that three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and dissemination of the content had been arrested.
“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.
It urged them to remove the публикации and preserve related materials for possible legal proceedings.
UBA noted 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.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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