The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has dismissed as false and malicious a viral social media claim alleging that its Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, has divorced his wife, describing the publication as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and damage reputations.
In a statement issued by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, UBA said the claims were “entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis,” warning individuals and platforms circulating the information to immediately stop or face legal consequences.
The bank said the matter has been escalated to law enforcement authorities, adding that enforcement actions have already commenced.
According to UBA, three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and dissemination of the false information have been arrested.
They were identified as Mr. Kingsley Akunemeihe, also known as @Directorkem; Mr. Chigozie Success Ihebom; and Mr. John Surpruchi Nwanorue, identified online as @problemchimky.
“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.
“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,” it added.
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UBA further stated that investigations are ongoing and may lead to additional arrests and prosecutions of individuals found to have contributed to what it described as a coordinated defamatory campaign.
The bank also issued a cease-and-desist directive to all persons involved in sharing or publishing the content, ordering the immediate removal of the material across all platforms and instructing them to preserve all related digital records pending possible legal action.
It warned that failure to comply would result in legal proceedings, including claims for defamation, injunctive relief, and damages under applicable laws.
UBA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its corporate reputation as well as the personal integrity and privacy of its Group Chairman, adding that it would pursue both civil and criminal remedies against those responsible for the publication and spread of the false claims.
