Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately release three individuals arrested over alleged defamatory publications concerning billionaire businessman, Tony Elumelu.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday, Sowore criticised the arrests, describing them as an abuse of police powers and a threat to freedom of expression. He argued that reports, whether accurate or not about a public figure’s personal life, including marital status, do not constitute a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
The individuals at the centre of the controversy, Kingsley Akunemeihe, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue were reportedly detained following online publications alleging that Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), had separated from his wife, Awele Elumelu.
Reacting to the development, Sowore insisted that even if such reports were deemed false or injurious, they fall strictly within the realm of civil litigation rather than criminal prosecution. He warned against what he described as the increasing tendency of law enforcement agencies to criminalise defamation and use detention as a tool of intimidation.
“We must continue to remind the Nigeria Police Force that it is not a criminal offense warranting arrest or detention for bloggers to report that Tony Elumelu… has reportedly divorced his wife,” Sowore wrote. “At most, such a matter falls within the realm of civil law and does not justify police action or repression.”
The activist further urged the police to respect constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of speech and press, noting that Nigeria’s democratic framework depends heavily on the ability of citizens to express views and share information without fear of harassment or arrest.
Legal experts have long debated the place of defamation in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. While criminal defamation laws still exist, many civil society groups argue that they are often misused to silence critics, journalists, and bloggers. Sowore’s statement echoes a growing call among rights advocates for the decriminalisation of defamation, aligning Nigeria with global best practices that favour civil remedies over criminal sanctions.
The case has sparked conversations across social media platforms, with many Nigerians questioning the appropriateness of police involvement in disputes relating to reputation and personal matters. Critics argue that such actions divert law enforcement resources from more pressing security concerns, while also creating a chilling effect on digital expression.
Supporters of the police action, however, maintain that false publications, especially those capable of damaging reputations, should not go unchecked, stressing the need for accountability in the digital space. They argue that the spread of unverified claims can have far-reaching consequences, particularly when they involve high-profile individuals.
Despite these differing views, Sowore maintained that due process must be followed and that the rights of the detained individuals must be protected. He called for their immediate and unconditional release, reiterating that any grievances arising from the publications should be addressed through civil courts.
As of the time of reporting, the Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official statement detailing the circumstances of the arrests or the legal basis for the detention of the three individuals.
The incident adds to a growing list of cases highlighting tensions between law enforcement agencies and advocates of free speech in Nigeria, raising broader questions about the balance between protecting reputations and safeguarding fundamental human rights in the digital age.
