Sowore Criticizes Police Arrests Over Elumelu Divorce Claims

Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and former presidential candidate, condemned the Nigerian police for arresting three individuals allegedly involved in a defamatory report concerning Tony Elumelu, the chairman of UBA Group, related to his marital status. Sowore argued that publishing claims about a public figure's marriage does not constitute a criminal offense that justifies arrest and detention.

He emphasized that such matters fall within the realm of civil law and should not lead to police action. The police's actions followed a statement from UBA Group, which dismissed the divorce claims as false and defamatory, asserting that the report was designed to mislead the public and damage Elumelu's reputation.

UBA confirmed that law enforcement agencies were notified, leading to the arrests of Kingsley Akunemeih, Chigozi Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanoru, who were directly linked to the creation and dissemination of the false content. UBA warned individuals sharing such content to desist, as failure to comply could result in civil or criminal action.