Three suspects have been arrested for allegedly circulating false claim on social media that the chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, divorced his wife, Awele.

The UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, in a statement on Sunday, stated that the false, fabricated, reckless, and baseless claim circulated by the suspects, was aimed at misleading the public and damaging the reputation of Mr Elumelu.

The statement read, “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.

“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 matter has been referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities, who have commenced action. We confirm that three individuals directly connected to the creation and dissemination of these malicious falsehoods have been arrested, namely: 1. Mr. Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), 2. Mr Chigozie Success Ihebom, 3. Mr John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky)”

The bank stated that while investigations were ongoing, arrests and prosecutions of others involved in originating, amplifying, or sustaining the defamatory campaign, would follow.

The bank warned individuals, platforms, and entities involved in the publication, reposting, or continued dissemination of the defamatory content, to immediately cease and desist.

The bank urged them to, “Remove the offending publication from all platforms immediately, refrain from any further publication or amplification of similar false content, preserve all records, including digital footprints, communications, and metadata relating to the creation and dissemination of the publication, pending further legal action.

“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 UBA Group expressed its resolve to protecting the reputation, privacy, and integrity of its brand and that of Mr Elumelu.

It added that necessary legal avenues, civil and criminal would be adopted to ensure that those responsible for the claim were identified and held accountable.