Three individuals have been apprehended over the spread of a false report on social media claiming that UBA Group chairman, Tony Elumelu, had ended his marriage with his wife, Awele.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, who described the allegation as entirely untrue, defamatory, and intentionally aimed at damaging Elumelu’s reputation.
According to UBA, the misleading claim has been escalated to law enforcement agencies, which have commenced investigations into those responsible for originating and circulating the content.
The bank disclosed that the suspects already in custody are Kingsley Akunemeihe, known online as @Directorkem, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue, also identified as @problemchimky.
UBA noted that the probe is still ongoing and may result in additional arrests, as authorities work to track down others involved in spreading the false narrative.
In response, the bank has issued a cease-and-desist notice to individuals and platforms linked to the report, instructing them to immediately remove the content, halt further distribution, and preserve all related digital records, including communications and metadata, pending possible legal action.
The institution warned that failure to comply would attract legal consequences, including defamation claims and demands for damages.
“The UBA Group is resolute in protecting the reputation, privacy, and integrity of our brand and that of Mr Elumelu, and will pursue all necessary legal avenues—civil and criminal—to ensure that all responsible parties are identified and held accountable,” the statement said.
