According to a report by Daily Post on Monday, May 4, 2026, the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has strongly denied viral claims suggesting that he and his wife have divorced, describing the reports as false, defamatory, and malicious.
The controversy began after unverified posts circulated widely on social media alleging a breakdown in the business mogul’s marriage. The claims quickly gained traction online before being publicly dismissed by UBA Group.
In an official statement released over the weekend, the bank clarified that neither Elumelu nor the organisation had any connection to the rumour and condemned its spread as deliberate misinformation targeting its chairman.
“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,” the statement read.
The bank further confirmed that law enforcement authorities have already taken action in connection with the matter. According to the statement, three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and circulation of the false report have been arrested.
“We confirm that three individuals directly connected to the creation and dissemination of these malicious falsehoods have been arrested,” UBA added.
The development has since triggered wider public reactions, especially on social media, where discussions around misinformation, defamation, and the involvement of security agencies in online disputes continue to grow.
Among those linked to the case is Kingsley Akunemeihe, a young man allegedly connected to the spread of the viral claims. His family has publicly appealed for leniency, urging Elumelu to temper justice with mercy.
In a widely circulated video, Ngozi Akunemeihe, the sister of Kingsley, pleaded for his release, stressing that he is still young and may not have fully understood the consequences of his actions.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has also weighed in on the matter, calling for the release of the detained individuals and questioning the involvement of law enforcement in what he described as a matter that should be addressed civilly.
Meanwhile, DAILY POST reports that the viral divorce allegation is one of several unverified claims that have recently circulated online targeting the UBA chairman, many of which have been dismissed as false.
