Family pleads for forgiveness after teen arrested over false Elumelu divorce post
The family of 18-year-old Kingsley Akunemeihe is appealing to billionaire Tony Elumelu for forgiveness after the teenager was arrested for sharing a false post about Elumelu’s marriage. Ngozi Akunemeihe, his sister, explained that Kingsley was detained after resharing a viral claim alleging Elumelu had divorced his wife, which he later deleted and apologized for. The United Bank for Africa, where Elumelu is Chairman, dismissed the divorce rumor as false and malicious. The incident has sparked debate about online speech, defamation, and law enforcement’s role in such cases.
What happened
- Kingsley Akunemeihe was arrested after sharing a false social media post about Tony Elumelu’s marriage.
- His sister, Ngozi Akunemeihe, said he was detained while returning from his JAMB exam and has remained in custody.
- The teenager deleted the post, issued an apology, and acknowledged his mistake.
- The United Bank for Africa labeled the divorce claim as false and malicious, confirming arrests were made.
- Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore called for the release of those arrested, urging the issue be handled as a civil matter.
