The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has dismissed as false and malicious a viral social media claim alleging that its Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, has divorced his wife, describing the publication as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and damage reputations.
In a formal statement issued by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, UBA said the claims are “entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis,” warning individuals and platforms circulating the content to immediately cease dissemination or face legal consequences.
The bank disclosed that the matter has been escalated to law enforcement authorities, who have already begun enforcement actions, according to a statement by the bank.
What they are saying
According to UBA, three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and spread of the false information have been arrested.
They include Mr. Kingsley Akunemeihe, also known as @Directorkem; Mr. Chigozie Success Ihebom; and Mr. John Surpruchi Nwanorue, identified online as @problemchimky. Details of the statement read as follows.
- “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.
- “These statements and all similar content are entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis. The claims are a deliberate falsehood designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm.
- “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, namely: Mr. Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Mr. Chigozie Success Ihebom and Mr. John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky)”
UBA added that investigations are ongoing and may result in further arrests and prosecutions of individuals found to have played roles in originating, amplifying, or sustaining what it described as a coordinated defamatory campaign.
The financial institution issued a cease-and-desist directive to all parties involved in publishing or sharing the content, mandating the immediate removal of the material across all platforms.
It also instructed such individuals and entities to refrain from further dissemination of similar claims and to preserve all relevant records, including digital footprints, communications, and metadata, pending potential legal proceedings.
Failure to comply with these directives, the bank warned, would trigger legal action, including claims for defamation, injunctive relief, and damages under applicable laws.
UBA emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its corporate reputation as well as the personal integrity and privacy of its chairman. The bank noted that it would pursue all available legal avenues both civil and criminal to ensure accountability for those responsible.
What you should know
The statement shows growing concerns among corporate institutions in Nigeria over the spread of misinformation on social media and its potential impact on reputations and public trust.
UBA, one of Africa’s largest financial services groups with operations in over 20 countries, reiterated that it will take a zero-tolerance approach to defamatory publications targeting its leadership and brand.
The development highlights the increasing use of legal and law enforcement mechanisms by corporations to combat false narratives in the digital space, particularly as social media continues to amplify unverified claims at scale.
Poor editorial job. This is personal and not corporate defamation. Tony and his wife should petition police to get justice.