Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher 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.
In a statement on Facebook on Monday, Sowore argued that publishing claims about a public figure’s marital status does not constitute a criminal offense warranting arrest or detention.
“We must continue to remind the Nigerian 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 comments 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, the institution described the report as “fabricated, reckless, and malicious,” stressing that it was designed 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.
UBA also acknowledged that law enforcement agencies had been alerted, which resulted in the arrest of three people allegedly involved in the content’s development and dissemination.
“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 cautioned individuals and platforms spreading the content to remove the fake news and preserve relevant materials for potential legal procedures. Failure to comply may result in civil and criminal action.
The development has aroused debate over the limitations of free speech, defamation laws, and law enforcement’s role in disputes involving internet outlets.
