The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has dismissed as false a viral social media publication alleging that its Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, has divorced his wife, describing the report as baseless and deliberately misleading.
In a strongly worded statement, the bank said the claims were entirely fabricated and intended to damage the reputation of both the institution and its chairman. UBA emphasized that the matter has been escalated to law enforcement agencies, which have already begun investigations.
According to the bank, three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and spread of the false report have been arrested. They were identified as Kingsley Akunemeihe, also known as @Directorkem, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue, known online as @problemchimky.
UBA stated that investigations are ongoing and could result in additional arrests and prosecutions of anyone found to have played a role in originating or amplifying the defamatory content.
The financial institution also issued a formal directive to individuals and platforms involved in sharing the report, ordering them to immediately remove the publication and halt further dissemination. It further instructed all parties to preserve relevant digital records, including communications and metadata, pending potential legal action.
The bank warned that failure to comply would attract legal consequences, including defamation suits, claims for damages, and other remedies under the law.
Reaffirming its stance, UBA said it remains committed to safeguarding the reputation and privacy of its brand and chairman, adding that it would pursue both civil and criminal actions to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
