Sowore kicks against arrest of three Nigerians over fake news of Elumelus divorce

Ebun Emmanuel – May 4,2026

Publisher and activist, Omoyele Sowore, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to release three individuals arrested over alleged defamatory involving Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

In a Facebook post on Monday, Sowore argued that reporting claims about a public figure’s marital status should not be treated as a criminal offence that justifies arrest or detention.

“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 wrote.

He added that such issues fall under civil law and do not warrant police intervention.

“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),” he stated.

Sowore’s reaction came after UBA issued a statement denying viral reports claiming Elumelu had divorced his wife, Awele.

The UBA statement said the trio were arrested over the report.