UBA debunks divorce claim against Elumelu, confirms arrest of three suspects

•Dangote group slams false claims on refinery financing

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has dismissed as false a viral publication alleging that its Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, is divorced, describing the claim as defamatory and malicious.

In a statement in Lagos by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, UBA said the publication, which has circulated widely across social media platforms, is entirely fabricated and intended to mislead the public while causing reputational harm.

“The attention of UBA Group has been drawn to a false, defamatory, and malicious publication currently circulating on social media, falsely alleging that the Group Chairman has divorced his wife,” the statement read.

“These claims are reckless, baseless, and constitute a deliberate falsehood.”

The bank confirmed that the matter has been escalated to relevant law enforcement agencies, which have already taken action. According to the statement, three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and dissemination of the publication have been arrested.

UBA disclosed that investigations are ongoing and may lead to further arrests and prosecutions of other persons connected to what it described as a coordinated defamatory campaign.

The bank also issued a stern warning to individuals, platforms, and entities involved in sharing or amplifying the false report, directing them to immediately cease and desist.

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It specifically demanded the immediate removal of the publication from all platforms, a halt to further dissemination of similar content, and the preservation of all records—including digital communications and metadata—related to the origin and spread of the claims.

“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,” the statement added.

UBA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding its corporate reputation and the personal integrity of its leadership, stressing that it would pursue all legal avenues—both civil and criminal—to ensure accountability.

“The UBA Group is resolute in protecting the reputation, privacy, and integrity of our brand and that of Mr. Elumelu,” the bank stated, adding that all responsible parties would be identified and held accountable under the law.

The development highlights growing concerns over the spread of misinformation on social media and the legal consequences of publishing unverified or false claims.

Also, Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious a publication alleging that its president, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from Tony Elumelu, describing the report as entirely baseless.

In a statement by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said neither Dangote nor the Group made the claims attributed to them, stressing that the publication misrepresents both personal and corporate positions.

The Group also rejected assertions that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends, describing the claims as inaccurate and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

“As a matter of principle, Aliko Dangote neither finances his projects through personal borrowing from friends nor engages in lending arrangements of that nature,” the statement said, adding that any such claims must be supported by verifiable evidence.

Dangote Group further clarified that there is no rift between Dangote and Elumelu, as both business leaders maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.

The company also raised concern over a growing pattern of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, likeness and image in AI generated advertisements and other misleading content, warning that such actions pose reputational risks and may constitute fraud.

It cautioned individuals and platforms involved in the creation and dissemination of false information to desist immediately, adding that it would pursue appropriate legal action where necessary to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.