Sowore criticises police over arrest of bloggers

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has criticised the Nigerian Police Force for arresting three individuals over reports involving businessman Tony Elumelu.

The arrests followed the circulation of claims on social media alleging that Elumelu, chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), had divorced his wife. The report was later dismissed by the bank as false.

Reacting in a Facebook post, Sowore argued that publishing such claims about a public figure should not be treated as a criminal offence. He maintained that issues of this nature fall under civil law and should not lead to arrest or detention.

He called on the police to immediately release the three individuals identified as Kingsley Akunemeihe, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue.

According to him, the use of law enforcement in such cases raises concerns about repression and misuse of power, especially in matters involving online expression.

Meanwhile, UBA had earlier issued a statement denying the divorce claim, describing it as false, malicious, and damaging. The statement, signed by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the report was designed to mislead the public and harm reputations.

The bank confirmed that the matter had been reported to law enforcement authorities, leading to the arrest of individuals allegedly linked to the creation and spread of the content.

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UBA also warned others sharing the claim to remove it and preserve related materials, noting that failure to comply could result in legal action.

The incident has sparked wider debate around free speech, defamation, and the role of the police in handling disputes linked to online publications, particularly when they involve high-profile individuals.