Sowore demands release of bloggers arrested over Elumelu divorce report

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to release three bloggers arrested over alleged defamatory reports of a divorce involving Tony Elumelu.

In a Facebook post on Monday, he said publishing claims about a public figure’s marital status does not amount to a criminal offence.

Sowore said: “We must continue to remind the Nigerian Nigeria Police Force… that it is not a criminal offense warranting arrest or detention for bloggers to report that @TonyOElumelu, Chairman of @UBAGroup, has reportedly divorced his wife.”

He added: “At most, such a matter falls within the realm of civil law and does not justify police action or repression.

“The @PoliceNG must therefore immediately release Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky).”

Sowore’s comments followed a statement by United Bank for Africa dismissing as false a viral claim alleging that Elumelu had divorced his wife, Awele.

In the statement signed by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, the report was described as misleading and damaging.

The bank said: “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.”

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UBA confirmed that the matter had been reported to law enforcement agencies, leading to arrests.

It said: “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.”

The bank also warned individuals and platforms circulating the content to desist and remove the publications, adding that failure to comply could lead to legal consequences.

The development has sparked debate over free speech, defamation laws and the role of law enforcement in handling disputes arising from online publications.

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