UBA dismisses allegations linking Elumelu to Dele Farotimi’s arrest

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has categorically denied any involvement of its chairman, Tony Elumelu, in the arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, following widespread reports alleging Elumelu’s role in the incident.

The controversy began after a report by SaharaReporters claimed that Farotimi was detained by the Nigerian police at Zone 2 Command in Lagos based on a petition allegedly filed by Elumelu.

However, UBA swiftly refuted the claim, asserting that Elumelu neither authored nor authorized any petition against Farotimi.

“Tony Elumelu has no hand in Dele’s arrest,” a senior UBA official said, dismissing the allegations as baseless.

Farotimi, a prominent human rights advocate and outspoken critic of Nigeria’s political elite, earlier raised concerns about threats to his life, alleging collusion between powerful individuals and security agencies.

In a statement titled “They Want to Silence Me,” he recounted receiving an invitation from the Zone 2 Police Command on November 11, requesting his presence on November 13 at 10:00 AM.

Accompanied by his legal counsel, Farotimi reported to the station, where he was presented with a defamation petition reportedly filed by another lawyer. He described the petition as “baseless” but stated that he addressed its contents during the meeting.

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The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from civil rights organizations and Nigerians alike, who criticized the police for allegedly being used as tools of oppression by influential individuals.

Several advocacy groups have called for Farotimi’s immediate release and an independent investigation into the incident. “This is another example of the systemic misuse of law enforcement agencies to silence dissenting voices,” a spokesperson for a leading civil rights organization said.

This incident adds to growing concerns about the weaponization of Nigeria’s justice system against activists and critics of the elite.

Advocacy groups have urged the government to ensure the police operate independently and without undue influence from powerful individuals or entities.

As of now, Farotimi remains under scrutiny, while the UBA and Tony Elumelu continue to distance themselves from the unfolding controversy. The police are yet to provide a detailed statement on the case.