United Bank for Africa isn’t letting the lie slide as indicated in a two-page statement issued on Sunday, May 3, 2026, signed by Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Brand, Marketing & Corporate Communication.
The banking giant confirmed Sunday that police have arrested three people for spreading a “false, defamatory, and malicious” social media rumor claiming Group Chairman Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, had divorced his wife.
“This is entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis,” UBA declared in the statement by Ladipo. “The claims are a deliberate falsehood designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm.”
UBA said law enforcement has already picked up three suspects “directly connected to the creation and dissemination” of the hoax, namely: Kingsley Akunemeihe @Directorkem, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue @problemchimky
THE CONCLAVE reports that it’s not over.
Quoting the statement, it further reports: “Investigations are ongoing and are expected to lead to further arrests and prosecutions of all persons involved in originating, amplifying, or sustaining this defamatory campaign.
The bank issued a blunt warning to anyone still sharing the rumour: delete it now.
UBA ordered all individuals, platforms, and entities to: remove the offending publication from all platforms immediately; refrain from any further publication or amplification; and, preserve all records, digital footprints, communications, and metadata pending 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 Bank threatened.
UBA said it is “resolute in protecting the reputation, privacy, and integrity of our brand, that of Mr. Elumelu” and will pursue “all necessary legal avenues — civil and criminal — to ensure that all responsible parties are identified and held accountable.”
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