Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the reported arrest of three individuals over a social media post allegedly linked to the Chairman of UBA Group, Tony Elumelu, describing it as an abuse of power and a threat to freedom of expression.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Sowore argued that Elumelu, as a public figure and billionaire businessman, is subject to public scrutiny and criticism just like other prominent global personalities.
He questioned the involvement of the police in what he described as a civil matter arising from online commentary.
“This is why no one should be arrested on the orders or influence of UBA Group Chair, Tony Elumelu,” Sowore wrote.
“He is a public figure and a billionaire, and the Nigeria Police Force has no right to detain anyone on his behalf over expression.”
Sowore further compared the situation to global practices, saying public figures in other countries routinely face criticism without law enforcement being used to silence dissenting voices.
He referenced international examples, including politicians and business leaders who are regularly subjected to public scrutiny without arrests being made over negative commentary.
“Across the world, public figures are scrutinised and criticised, sometimes harshly,” he said.
He also pointed to cases such as Elon Musk, who has faced online tracking and criticism, arguing that such issues are typically handled within legal and civil frameworks rather than police intervention.
Sowore maintained that Nigeria must resist what he called the misuse of security agencies to settle reputational disputes.
“Only in Nigeria would a billionaire public figure attempt to use a compromised police system to detain content creators for expressing unflattering views,” he added.
The controversy follows reports that three individuals — Kingsley Akunemeihe, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue — were arrested by police over an alleged false publication claiming that Elumelu had divorced his wife.
UBA Group had earlier dismissed the viral report, describing it as false, malicious, and fabricated, and said the claim was falsely attributed to a national newspaper.
The bank also confirmed that the matter had been reported to security agencies, which subsequently launched an investigation into the source and spread of the story.
It warned social media users and bloggers to take down the publication and refrain from further circulation, adding that legal action would follow against those found responsible.
While the investigation is ongoing, Sowore insisted that criminalising online speech sets a dangerous precedent and urged authorities to respect constitutional rights to free expression.
