By Adesina Soyooye
Three persons have been arrested over a story that has been described as false, unfounded and meant to stain the reputation of one of Nigeria’s business moguls, banker and entrepreneur, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank of Africa, Plc.
In the past couple of weeks, a section of the Social Media, in apparently sponsored stories, has descended on Elumelu and his wife Awele, an accomplished Medical Doctor and Chairperson of one of Nigeria’s five star hotels, the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
It began with a viral audio post which inexplicably put a question mark on the paternity of the couple’s children. While Nigerians were still reeling in shock over such absurdity, another report surfaced that Tony Elumelu has divorced his wife, Awele.
Unable to ignore such blatant lie, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc which has Elumelu as its Chairman, issued a very strongly- worded statement, threatening fire and brimstone.
The statement dismissed the reports that its Chairman has divorced his wife.
It dismissed the claim of divorce as false, malicious and defamatory.
The statement issued on Sunday, by the Group Head, Brand, Marketing & Corporate Communication at UBA, Alero Ladipo, 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 Ist Tier 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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