The Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Tony Elumelu, has firmly debunked widespread rumours alleging that he has divorced his wife, describing the claims as false, malicious, and deliberately misleading.
Refuting the malicious claims through a strongly worded statement issued by the UBA Group’s spokesperson, Alero Ladipo, he dismissed the viral reports as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation.
“The attention of UBA Group has been drawn to a false, defamatory, and malicious publication currently circulating on social media platforms,” the statement read. “These claims are entirely fabricated, reckless, and without any basis.”
In the statement, Ladipo revealed that the matter has already been escalated to law enforcement authorities, with three individuals arrested in connection with the creation and spread of the false report.
Those identified include Kingsley Akunemeihe (also known as @Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky).
According to the statement, investigations are ongoing and are expected to lead to more arrests and prosecutions of others involved in originating or amplifying the defamatory content.
UBA further issued a stern warning to individuals and platforms still circulating the rumour, directing them to immediately remove the false fabricаtions and cease further dissemination.
The statement also instructed those involved to preserve all relevant records, including digital communications and metadata, pending legal action.
The bank emphasized that failure to comply would result in legal consequences, including defamation suits, claims for damages, and other remedies under the law.
Reaffirming its stance, the UBA Group declared its commitment to protecting its brand integrity and the personal reputation of its chairman, vowing to pursue both civil and criminal actions against all parties found culpable. 
The statement concluded with a clear message: those behind the fake divorce story will be identified and held accountable.
The statement titled “FORMAL NOTICE: FALSE, DEFAMATORY, AND MALICIOUS PUBLICATION”, read in full:
“The attention of UBA Group has been drawn to a false, defamatory, and malicious publication currently circulating on social media platforms, falsely alleging that the Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has divorced his wife.
“These statements and all similar content are entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis. The claims are a deliberate falsehood designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm.
“The matter has been referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities, who have commenced action.
“We confirm that three individuals directly connected to the creation and dissemination of these malicious falsehoods have been arrested, namely:
“1. Mr. Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem) 2. Mr. Chigozie Success Ihebom 3. Mr. John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky)
” 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.
“This serves as a formal notice to all individuals, platforms, and entities involved in the publication, reposting, or continued dissemination of this content to immediately cease and desist.
“All such parties are hereby required to:Remove the offending publication from all platforms immediately
“Refrain from any further publication or amplification of similar false contentPreserve all records, including digital footprints, communications, and metadata relating to the creation and dissemination of the publication, 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 UBA Group 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.”
