Sowore condemns arrest of bloggers over Elumelu divorce rumour, demands release
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the Nigeria Police Force over the arrest of three individuals accused of spreading false reports about the alleged divorce of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu.
Sowore, in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Monday, called for the immediate release of the suspects, insisting that publishing claims about a public figure’s marital status should not attract criminal prosecution or detention.
According to him, such matters, if proven false or damaging, should be treated as civil disputes rather than criminal offences.
“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, Chairman of UBA Group, has reportedly divorced his wife,” Sowore wrote.
“At most, such a matter falls within the realm of civil law and does not justify police action or repression.”
He specifically demanded the release of Kingsley Akunemeihe, also known as Directorkem, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue, who were reportedly arrested in connection with the case.
The controversy followed an official statement issued by UBA dismissing as false a viral social media report alleging that Elumelu had separated from his wife, Awele Elumelu.
In the statement signed by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, the financial institution described the publication as fabricated, reckless and malicious.
UBA said the report was deliberately designed to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of its chairman and his family.
“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 further disclosed that the matter had been reported to security agencies, leading to the arrest of three persons allegedly linked to the creation and circulation of the content.
According to the bank, relevant law enforcement authorities had already commenced investigations into the matter.
UBA also warned social media users, bloggers and online platforms circulating the report to immediately stop sharing the content, remove existing posts and preserve all related materials for possible legal action.
The bank stated that failure to comply could expose those involved to both civil and criminal proceedings.
The arrests and Sowore’s reaction have since generated public debate over the boundaries of free speech, the use of criminal law in defamation cases, and the growing role of law enforcement agencies in handling disputes arising from online publications.
Observers say the incident has again highlighted concerns over digital rights, press freedom and the treatment of bloggers and online commentators in Nigeria.
