Sowore Slams Police Over Arrest of Three Linked to Elumelu Divorce Report

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called on the Nigeria Police Force to release three individuals arrested over an alleged defamatory report involving Tony Elumelu, arguing that the matter should be treated as a civil dispute rather than a criminal offence.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sowore criticised the arrest of the three individuals accused of circulating reports that Elumelu had allegedly divorced his wife, Awele Elumelu.

According to him, allegations concerning a public figure’s marital status do not amount to a criminal offence that should warrant arrest or detention.

“We have to keep reminding the Nigeria Police Force that it is not a criminal offence that requires arrest or detention for bloggers to report that the Chairman of UBA has allegedly divorced his wife,” Sowore wrote.

He maintained that such disputes should be addressed through civil legal channels rather than law enforcement actions.

“This is, at most, a matter for civil law and does not justify police repression,” he added while demanding the immediate release of Kingsley Akunemeihe, Chigozie Success Ihebom and John Surpruchi Nwanorue, who were reportedly arrested in connection with the publication.

The controversy began after United Bank for Africa dismissed as false a viral report claiming that Elumelu had ended his marriage.

In a statement issued by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, UBA described the report as fabricated, reckless and malicious.

“The attention of UBA Group has been drawn to a false, defamatory and malicious publication currently making the rounds on social media platforms, falsely claiming that the Group Chairman, Mr Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has divorced his wife,” the statement read.

The bank said it had reported the matter to law enforcement authorities, leading to the arrest of three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and circulation of the report.

“We can confirm that three individuals directly involved in the fabrication and dissemination of these malicious falsehoods have been arrested,” UBA said.

The bank also warned bloggers, media platforms and individuals spreading the report to immediately take down the content or risk legal consequences, including possible civil and criminal liabilities.

The development has sparked wider debate over freedom of expression, defamation laws and the role of law enforcement agencies in handling disputes involving online publications.

Legal analysts say the case could further intensify conversations around digital rights and whether criminal enforcement should be used in cases that many argue belong in civil courts.

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