Security agencies arrest three over false divorce rumors involving UBA chair Tony Elumelu
Security agencies have apprehended three individuals in connection with the creation and spread of a viral, false report claiming a divorce between the chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Tony Elumelu, and his wife, Awele.
The arrests follow a swift investigation triggered by a formal complaint from the bank, which labeled the rumors as “malicious falsehoods” designed to damage the reputation of the high-profile couple and the financial institution.
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According to a statement released by UBA, the authorities have taken the following individuals into custody:
Kingsley Akunemeihe (known on social media as @Directorkem), Chigozie Ihebom and John Nwanorue (known on social media as @problemchimky)
The bank confirmed that these individuals are “directly connected” to the fabrication and dissemination of the defamatory content.
“Fabricated, reckless, and malicious”
In a formal notice issued on Sunday, Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications, clarified that there is no factual basis for the divorce claims.
“The attention of UBA Group has been drawn to a false, defamatory, and malicious publication… falsely alleging that the Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has divorced his wife. These statements are entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis,” the statement read.
The bank emphasized that the publication was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and cause reputational harm to the Elumelu family.
UBA has signaled that the three arrests may only be the beginning. Investigations are ongoing, and the bank warns that further arrests and prosecutions are likely as they track the digital footprint of the “defamation campaign.”
The institution issued a stern warning to other social media users and platforms.
UBA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the privacy of its Chairman, stating it will pursue every available legal remedy to ensure those responsible for the “malicious campaign” face the full weight of the law.
