The United Bank for Africa (UBA) says it has launched a crackdown on the spread of what it described as a “false, defamatory, and malicious” publication targeting its Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, warning of sweeping legal consequences for those involved in its circulation.
In a statement issued by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, the bank firmly dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that its chairman had divorced his wife, describing the report as entirely fabricated.
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“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 statement read.
UBA said that the matter had been escalated to law enforcement authorities and confirmed that arrests had already been made in connection with the creation and dissemination of the content, while investigations remain ongoing.
It further directed all individuals and platforms involved in sharing the content to immediately halt its circulation.
“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,” it stated.
UBA also instructed that all offending materials be taken down without delay, warning that those involved must “remove the offending publication from all platforms immediately” and “refrain from any further publication or amplification of similar false content”.
It directed parties to preserve all related records, including “digital footprints, communications, and metadata,” pending further legal action, warning that failure to comply would trigger legal proceedings, including defamation suits and claims for damages.
“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 statement added.
UBA stressed that it remains committed to defending its corporate image and the personal reputation of its chairman, noting that it would pursue both civil and criminal remedies against offenders.