The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has dismissed as “false, defamatory and malicious” social media claims alleging that its Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has divorced his wife.
In a formal notice issued on Sunday, the bank said the statements and all similar content are “entirely fabricated, reckless and without basis,” describing the claims as a deliberate falsehood designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm.
The bank confirmed that three individuals directly connected to the creation and dissemination of the malicious falsehoods have been arrested. They are Mr. Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Mr. Chigozie Success Ihebom, and Mr. John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky).
Investigations are ongoing, UBA said, and are expected to lead to further arrests and prosecutions of all persons involved in originating, amplifying or sustaining the defamatory campaign.
The bank issued a formal notice to all individuals, platforms and entities involved in the publication, reposting or continued dissemination of the content to immediately cease and desist.
All such parties are required to remove the offending publication from all platforms immediately, refrain from any further publication or amplification of similar false content, and preserve all records, including digital footprints, communications and metadata relating to the creation and dissemination of the publication, pending further legal action.
The bank warned that failure to comply will result in the initiation of legal proceedings, including claims for defamation, injunctive relief, damages and any other remedies available under applicable law.
“The UBA Group is resolute in protecting the reputation, privacy and integrity of our brand, 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, signed by Alero Ladipo, Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communication, read.
