Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the Nigeria Police Force over the arrest of three individuals accused of publishing alleged defamatory reports about businessman Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA).
In a Facebook post on Monday, May 4, 2026, Sowore argued that reporting claims about a public figure’s marital status does not amount to a criminal offence warranting arrest or detention.
“We must continue to remind the Nigeria Police Force that it is not a criminal offence warranting arrest or detention for bloggers to report that Tony Elumelu 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, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue,” 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.
In the statement signed by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, UBA described the report as “fabricated, reckless, and malicious,” stating that it 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 confirmed that the matter had been reported to law enforcement authorities, 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.
UBA also warned individuals and platforms circulating the report to desist, urging them to remove the публикации and preserve related materials for potential legal proceedings, adding that failure to comply could attract civil and criminal sanctions.
The development has sparked renewed debate over free speech, defamation laws, and the role of law enforcement in handling disputes arising from online publications.
