Police have arrested three individuals over an alleged defamatory and malicious social media publication targeting the Group Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, and his wife, Dr. Awele Vivian Elumelu.
Recall that the United Bank for Africa (UBA) had earlier dismissed the viral claims alleging that Mr. Elumelu had divorced his wife, describing the publication as false, defamatory, and malicious. The bank said the content was entirely fabricated and intended to mislead the public while damaging the reputation of the UBA Chairman and his family.
In a statement signed by the Group Head, Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, the bank confirmed that the matter had been reported to law enforcement authorities, leading to the arrest of three suspects linked to the creation and circulation of the false information. The arrested individuals include Mr. Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Mr. Chigozie Success Ihebom, and Mr. John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky).
UBA further stated that investigations are ongoing and are expected to result in additional arrests and prosecutions of other individuals involved in originating, promoting, or spreading the defamatory content.
The bank also issued a directive calling on all persons and platforms in possession of the content to immediately remove it, desist from further dissemination, and preserve all relevant digital evidence, warning that failure to comply could attract legal consequences.
UBA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity, privacy, and reputation of its Group Chairman and the institution, stressing that it will pursue all available civil and criminal legal remedies against those responsible.
