Three Arrested Over Fake Divorce Story About Tony Elumelu – UBA

Three Arrested Over Fake Divorce Story About Tony Elumelu – UBA

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has strongly denied viral social media claims alleging that its Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, divorced his wife, describing the reports as false, defamatory, and malicious.

In a formal statement issued by UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, the bank said the circulating posts were fabricated and intended to damage the reputation of both the institution and its chairman.

“The attention of UBA Group has been drawn to a false, defamatory, and malicious publication circulating on social media alleging that the Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has divorced his wife,” the statement said.

The bank stressed that the claims had no factual basis whatsoever, adding that they were deliberately designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm to one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.

UBA further disclosed that security agencies had been involved in the matter, confirming that three individuals connected to the creation and spread of the false story had been arrested.

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According to the statement, the suspects include individuals identified as Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Ihebom, and John Nwanorue (@problemchimky), who were allegedly responsible for amplifying the misinformation across social media platforms.

The bank added that investigations are still ongoing and may result in additional arrests and prosecutions of others involved in the circulation of the false claims.

Authorities have also been alerted to trace the full network behind the viral content, which reportedly gained traction across multiple social media platforms before being flagged as fake.

UBA warned individuals, blogs, and online platforms sharing the content to immediately remove it and refrain from further dissemination, noting that failure to comply could result in civil and criminal action under cybercrime laws.

“This serves as a formal notice to all individuals, platforms, and entities involved in the publication or reposting of this content to immediately cease and desist,” the bank stated.

It also directed that all related materials be preserved for possible legal proceedings, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the reputation of its leadership and safeguarding corporate integrity.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation founder has not personally commented on the viral rumour, but UBA insisted the allegation is entirely baseless and part of a coordinated attempt to spread misinformation.

The development highlights growing concerns about fake news, online defamation, and cyber harassment in Nigeria, especially targeting high-profile business leaders and institutions.

Three Arrested Over Fake Divorce Story About Tony Elumelu – UBA