Verdict: False / Fabricated
9News Nigeria Independent Fact-Check
A viral claim alleging that Tony O. Elumelu has divorced his wife, Awele Elumelu, following a supposed DNA paternity dispute involving their seven children, is false and entirely unsubstantiated.
Findings by 9News Nigeria show that the claim originated from unverified social media accounts, particularly across Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp, where it spread rapidly through sensational and misleading posts. Despite its wide circulation, there is no credible evidence, including court filings, family statements or verified institutional disclosures, to support the allegation.
The rumour was formally dismissed by United Bank for Africa (UBA), where Elumelu serves as Group Chairman. In an official statement issued by the bank’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, the report was described as “entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis,” stressing that it was designed to mislead the public and damage reputations.
Further checks confirm that the so-called DNA narrative, which claimed that the couple’s seven children were not biologically related to Elumelu, has no factual backing whatsoever. No scientific report, legal proceeding or credible source has validated the claim, indicating it was a malicious invention aimed at amplifying public reaction and virality.
Following the spread of the rumour, the matter was referred to law enforcement authorities. At least three individuals have been arrested for their alleged involvement in creating and disseminating the false report. Those identified include Kingsley Akunemeihe (also known as @Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (also known as @problemchimky).
UBA has also issued cease-and-desist warnings to individuals and platforms still circulating the content, cautioning that failure to comply could result in further legal action, including defamation and cybercrime charges.
Investigations indicate that the false reports began circulating in early April 2026 and gained traction through clickbait-style headlines and coordinated reposting patterns, often linked to accounts known for publishing sensational content without verification. No reputable news organisation or authorised representative of the Elumelu family has confirmed the claim at any point.
What really happened?
There is no confirmed divorce, no verified DNA dispute, and no credible evidence supporting the viral narrative. What occurred was the rapid spread of a fabricated story, amplified through social media channels without verification.
Conclusion
The claim that Tony Elumelu divorced his wife, Awele Elumelu, is false and part of a broader misinformation campaign. The couple remains married, and legal actions are ongoing against those linked to the origin and spread of the rumour.
