UNITED Bank for Africa has dismissed as false, malicious and defamatory reports circulating on social media alleging that its Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, divorced his wife.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Group Head, Brand, Marketing & Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, UBA described the reports and related online publications as entirely fabricated, reckless and deliberately designed to mislead the public while causing reputational damage to the prominent businessman and the financial institution.
According to the statement, the bank’s attention had been drawn to what it called a coordinated campaign of falsehood currently being circulated across various social media platforms.
“These statements and all similar content are entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis. The claims are a deliberate falsehood designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm,” the statement read.
UBA disclosed that the matter had already been referred to relevant law enforcement authorities, who have commenced investigations and enforcement actions.
The bank confirmed that three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and dissemination of the viral publications had already been arrested.
Those identified by the bank include Kingsley Akunemeihe, Chigozie Success Ihebom and John Surpruchi Nwanorue.
According to UBA, investigations are still ongoing and may lead to additional arrests and prosecutions of other individuals allegedly involved in originating, amplifying or sustaining the controversial publication.
The bank also issued a formal warning to all persons, organisations, media platforms and digital accounts involved in reposting or continuing to circulate the publication to immediately stop.
UBA directed all parties involved to remove the publication from their platforms without delay and refrain from any further dissemination of similar content.
The institution further instructed those connected to the publication to preserve all records linked to the matter, including digital footprints, communications and metadata, pending possible legal proceedings.
“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,” the statement added.
