UBA Confirms Arrest Of Three People Over False Divorce Report About Tony Elumelu

The United Bank for Africa (UBA Group) has confirmed that three people were arrested over the spread of false and damaging claims about its Chairman, Tony Elumelu.

In a statement by the bank’s Head of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, the bank denied rumours circulating online that Elumelu had divorced his wife.

The bank said the claims were not only false but also malicious, with the intention of misleading the public and harming the chairman’s reputation.

“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.

“These statements and all similar content are entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis. The claims are a deliberate falsehood designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm,” the statement read.

UBA said it had reported the matter to law enforcement agencies, which have already made arrests linked to the creation and spread of the false story.

The bank identified those arrested as Mr. Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Mr. Chigozie Success Ihebom and Mr. John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky).

It added that investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow, especially for those who created or helped spread the false information.

The bank also warned anyone involved in sharing the content to stop immediately.

It called for all related posts to be taken down and urged those responsible to avoid spreading similar claims in the future.

The UBA directed individuals and platforms involved in sharing the content to immediately halt its circulation.

“This serves as a formal notice to all individuals, platforms, and entities involved in the publication, reposting, or continued dissemination of this content to immediately cease and desist,” it stated

It directed parties to preserve all related records, including “digital footprints, communications, and metadata,” pending further legal action, warning that failure to comply would trigger legal proceedings, including defamation suits and claims for damages.

UBA warned that failure to comply could lead to lawsuits, including claims for defamation and damages.

“Failure to comply will result in the initiation of legal proceedings, including claims for defamation, injunctive relief, damages, and any other remedies available under applicable law,” the statement added.

The bank stressed that it is determined to protect its reputation and that of its chairman, and will take both civil and criminal action against those responsible.

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