UBA Denies Social Media Claims About Chairman’s Divorce, Announces Arrests

United Bank for Africa (UBA) has taken swift legal action against individuals spreading false information about its Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, refuting claims circulating on social media that he has divorced his wife.

In a strongly-worded statement released this week, the pan-African financial institution described the reports as “entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis,” adding that they were “deliberately designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm.”

The bank confirmed that three individuals allegedly connected to the publication of these claims have already been arrested. Those in custody were identified as Mr. Kingsley Akunemeihe (who uses the social media handle @Directorkem), Mr. Chigozie Success Ihebom, and Mr. John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky).

“The matter has been referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities, who have commenced action,” UBA stated. “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 incident highlights the growing challenge major African corporations face in combating misinformation on social media platforms, where false claims can spread rapidly across multiple countries where UBA operates. Founded in 1949, the bank maintains a significant presence across 20 African countries and has operations in the United Kingdom, United States, and France.

Elumelu, a prominent Nigerian economist and philanthropist, has served as UBA’s chairman since 2014. Beyond his role at the bank, he is widely recognized as one of Africa’s leading business figures and founded The Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has committed to empowering young African entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and seed funding.

The bank issued a stern warning to individuals and platforms still sharing or hosting the defamatory content, demanding its immediate removal and preservation of all records related to its dissemination.

“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,” the statement read. “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.”

Legal experts note that this case represents an increasingly common approach by major corporations and high-profile individuals in Africa to combat damaging misinformation. The swift arrests suggest authorities are taking the matter seriously, potentially setting a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future.

“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,” the bank affirmed.

The statement was signed by Alero Ladipo, Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communication at United Bank for Africa’s headquarters in Lagos.

Financial analysts suggest that UBA’s rapid and decisive response demonstrates the seriousness with which major African financial institutions now treat reputational risks, particularly those that could potentially affect market confidence or stakeholder relationships.

As one of Africa’s largest financial services providers, UBA serves over 25 million customers globally, with its operations spanning retail, commercial, and institutional banking segments across three continents.