Nigeria’s Department of State Services and the Police Force have both denied keeping in custody individuals accused of defaming United Bank for Africa Chairman Tony Elumelu.
Information gathered suggests that these security bodies have disclaimed any involvement in the detention of these bloggers, leaving questions regarding their current location and legal status unanswered.
Attempts to reach Ramon Nasir, the Group Head of Media and External Relations at UBA, for clarification were unsuccessful as he did not respond to multiple inquiries. This silence has fueled concerns among human rights advocates regarding the use of security agencies in online speech-related disputes.
Previously, UBA announced that it had reported a false and malicious report regarding a purported divorce involving Mr. Elumelu to law enforcement. The bank named three individuals, Kingsley Akunemeihe, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue, as suspects in the distribution of this false information.
The institution has issued a firm warning to online users to delete the content or face potential legal action.
Amidst these events, the sibling of one of the arrested individuals, an 18-year-old student, has publicly pleaded with Mr. Elumelu for leniency.
The sister explained that the teenager was arrested shortly after his university entrance examination despite having already issued an apology for his actions. The family remains distressed as the youth continues to be held, urging the bank chairman to show compassion for the boy’s mistake.
