Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the arrest of three individuals over a viral claim involving businessman Tony Elumelu, describing the action as unjustified and unlawful.
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In a statement shared on his X (Formerly Twitter) page on Monday, Sowore argued that disputes arising from online content should be treated as civil matters rather than criminal offences warranting arrest or detention.
“Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of @UBAGROUP, @Heirs_Holdings, and @TonyElumeluFDN is a public figure and a well-known content creator himself; he should respect fellow creators rather than use his influence or connections with the Nigeria Police Force to unlawfully detain anyone,” he said.
He maintained that publishing claims about a public figure’s marital status does not amount to a criminal offence.
“Disputes over content are civil matters, not grounds for arrest and prolonged illegal detention,” Sowore added.
The activist also called on the police to release the individuals identified as Kingsley Akunemeihe, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue.
“The Police must therefore immediately release Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue,” he said.
Sowore’s comments follow earlier reports that the United Bank for Africa had dismissed as false and defamatory a viral social media claim alleging that Elumelu had divorced his wife.
In a 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… falsely alleging that the Group Chairman… has divorced his wife,” the statement read.
The bank confirmed that law enforcement agencies had been notified, leading to the arrest of three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and spread 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 added.
UBA also warned individuals and platforms to desist from sharing the content, directing that such publications be taken down and preserved for potential legal proceedings.
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