Authorities act after viral social media claims about the billionaire businessman’s marriage were declared “false and defamatory”
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the spread of false and defamatory reports alleging that Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu had divorced his wife.
The United Bank for Africa (UBA), where Elumelu serves as Group Chairman, confirmed the arrests on Sunday, stating that the viral claims circulating on social media were entirely fabricated and misleading.
In a statement, the bank described the reports as “false, defamatory, and malicious,” stressing that they were designed to misinform the public and damage the reputation of Elumelu and his family.
The development follows days of widespread online speculation suggesting that the prominent banker had separated from his wife, a claim that lacked verification from any credible source.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of those arrested or the specific charges they may face. However, the incident underscores growing concerns over the rapid spread of misinformation on social media and its potential legal consequences.
This case adds to a broader pattern of Nigerian institutions pushing back against false online narratives, particularly those involving high-profile individuals and sensitive personal matters.
As investigations continue, the arrests signal a stricter stance against the spread of unverified and potentially damaging information in Nigeria’s digital space.