Sowore made the demand in a Facebook post on Monday, where he argued that publishing claims about a public figure’s marital status should not be treated as a criminal matter
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately release three individuals arrested over alleged defamatory social media reports involving Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa.
Sowore made the demand in a Facebook post on Monday, where he argued that publishing claims about a public figure’s marital status should not be treated as a criminal matter.
He maintained that such issues, if disputed, fall under civil law rather than criminal prosecution.
“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 O. Elumelu, Chairman of UBA, has reportedly divorced his wife,” he wrote.
“At most, such a matter falls within civil law and does not justify police action or repression. The Police must therefore immediately release Kingsley Akunemeihe, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue,” he added.
The intervention follows a statement by UBA dismissing the viral report claiming that Elumelu had divorced his wife, Awele Elumelu.
In a statement signed by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, the institution described the publication as false, malicious, and intended to damage reputations.
UBA said the claim circulating on social media was fabricated and misleading.
“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 stated that law enforcement authorities had been notified and had already begun action on the matter.
It confirmed that three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and spread of the report had been arrested.
“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 sharing the content to remove it and preserve any related materials for possible legal proceedings, stressing that failure to comply could lead to civil or criminal consequences.
The development has triggered renewed debate over the boundaries of free speech, defamation laws, and the role of law enforcement in regulating online content in Nigeria.
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