Omoyele Sowore, the Nigerian human rights activist has called on the Nigerian Police Force, NPF to immediately release three persons arrested for allegedly defaming the Group Chairman of the United Bank of Africa, UBA Tony Elumelu and his wife, Awele, by claiming that the couple has divorced.
The magazine had earlier reported that three people, Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky), were arrested by the Police after Elumelu filed a complaint regarding the report.
Reacting on his verified Facebook page on Monday , Sowore contends that the report does not constitute a criminal offence that warrants the arrest and detention of the three persons, saying the issue is a civil matter, urging the Police to free those arrested immediately.
“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.
“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),” Sowore said.
In a statement issued on Sunday, by the Group Head, Brand, Marketing & Corporate Communication at UBA, Alero Ladipo, the commercial bank noted that the publication and other similar contents were wholly fabricated and its intent meant to mislead the public and damage the reputation of its chairman and the Tier One Bank.
UBA, also, disclosed, that three individuals Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky) have been arrested by law enforcement agencies and are in custody over their alleged connection with the story in circulation.
Said the statement in part: “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.”
It, also, served notice that legal actions will be taken against individuals, platforms or entities posting and reposting the offending report. It asked that the posts be taken.
UBA: “This notice 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 content and preserve 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.
“Failure to comply will result in the initiation of legal proceedings, including claims for defamation, injunctive relief, and damages.”
“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.”
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