Three Arrested in Lagos Over False Tony Elumelu Divorce and DNA Rumours
Three individuals are currently in police custody over allegations of circulating fabricated claims that billionaire entrepreneur and Chairman of UBA, Tony Elumelu, had ended his marriage and that DNA tests purportedly showed none of his seven children were biologically his.
The arrests were carried out in Lagos after a formal petition was lodged by representatives of the Elumelu family, as PulseNets learnt. Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the suspects.
Sources within law enforcement told PulseNets that the individuals allegedly engineered and distributed false content, including manipulated articles, videos, and WhatsApp voice recordings advancing the unverified claims. The misinformation rapidly spread across major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, triggering widespread attention and reportedly causing distress within the family.
A senior police official, who spoke to PulseNets on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the suspects are being detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, where they are undergoing interrogation.
The police described the development as “malicious, irresponsible, and damaging to the reputation of a respected Nigerian business leader and his family.”
The viral narrative alleged that Tony Elumelu had separated from his wife following DNA test results that supposedly indicated none of their children were his. PulseNets reported that variations of this claim have surfaced intermittently over the years, but the latest version gained significant traction within a 48-hour window before being widely debunked.
Tony Elumelu, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs and philanthropists, has not publicly addressed the allegations. However, individuals familiar with the situation told PulseNets that the businessman is displeased by the repeated circulation of what they described as baseless and harmful fabrications.
Under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, the dissemination of false and injurious information, particularly against public figures, constitutes a criminal offence. Legal experts say convictions in such cases may result in substantial fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of reputational damage.
Also Read: Police arrest Dele Farotimi over UBA chairman, Tony Elumelu’s alleged defamation petition
Law enforcement authorities have reiterated warnings to social media users to verify information before sharing. Officials stressed that efforts to clamp down on fake news, defamation, and deliberate character attacks will be sustained.
PulseNets learnt that the arrests form part of a broader strategy by authorities to intensify enforcement against the spread of digital falsehoods targeting high-profile Nigerians.
