Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has strongly condemned the arrest of three individuals detained over a viral social media claim alleging that billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu had divorced his wife.
In a statement on X, Sowore argued that disputes arising from online content should be treated as civil rather than criminal matters, calling on police to immediately release the three individuals — Kingsley Akunemeihe, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue.
“Tony Elumelu is a public figure and a well-known content creator himself; he should respect fellow creators rather than use his influence or connections with the Nigeria Police Force to unlawfully detain anyone,” Sowore said.
The United Bank for Africa had earlier dismissed the divorce claim as “fabricated, reckless, and malicious,” confirming that law enforcement had been notified and arrests made following the viral publication.
Where should the line be drawn between protecting reputations and suppressing free expression?