By Damilare Adeleye
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has dismissed as false, defamatory, and malicious claims alleging that its group chairman, Tony Elumelu, has divorced his wife.
An X (formerly Twitter) user had claimed that the business mogul divorced his wife after a purported DNA test showed that his seven children did not belong to him.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Bank’s group head of brand, marketing, and corporate communication, Alero Ladipo, said the claims are entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis, describing them as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and inflict reputational damage on the chairman.
Ladipo disclosed that the matter has been escalated to law enforcement authorities, leading to the arrest of three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and spread of the falsehoods.
The suspects include Mr. Kingsley Akunemeihe, also known as @Directorkem; Mr. Chigozie Success Ihebom; and Mr. John Surpruchi Nwanorue, identified online as @problemchimky.
UBA stated that investigations are ongoing to make additional arrests and to prosecute others involved in originating or amplifying the claims.
The Bank’s spokesperson further issued a cease-and-desist directive to individuals and platforms circulating the content, demanding the immediate removal of the falsehoods.
She also instructed all parties involved to preserve relevant records, including digital communications and metadata, pending further legal action.
“Failure to comply will result in the initiation of legal proceedings, including claims for defamation, injunctive relief, damages, and any other remedies available under applicable law, the statement warned,” the statement read.
UBA further reiterated its commitment to protecting its corporate reputation and the personal integrity of its chairman, stressing that it would pursue both civil and criminal remedies against all those found culpable.
“The UBA Group is resolute in protecting the reputation, privacy, and integrity of our brand and that of Mr. Elumelu. We will pursue all necessary legal avenues civil and criminal to ensure that all responsible parties are identified and held accountable,” the statement concluded.