UBA refutes claims that its chairman, Tony Elumelu, instigated the arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, sparking public debate.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he United Bank for Africa (UBA) has firmly denied allegations linking its chairman, Tony Elumelu, to the arrest of prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi by the Nigerian police.

The bank’s response comes after a report by SaharaReporters suggested that Elumelu filed a petition leading to the lawyer’s detention.

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In a statement countering the claims, UBA clarified that Elumelu had no involvement in the incident. “Tony Elumelu has no hand in Dele’s arrest,” a senior official at the bank said.

The denial aims to dispel the widespread public speculation following the report, which went viral earlier this week.

Farotimi, a well-known activist, raised concerns about alleged threats to his life in a statement titled, “They Want to Silence Me.”

He recounted receiving an invitation letter from the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos on 11 November. The letter requested his appearance at the station two days later.

Accompanied by legal counsel, Farotimi complied with the summons, arriving at the station ahead of the scheduled time.

At the meeting, he was presented with a petition accusing him of defamation. Farotimi dismissed the claims as baseless but still addressed the allegations.

The lawyer’s arrest has sparked outrage among civil rights groups and concerned Nigerians, who have strongly criticised the police’s actions.

Many have accused the police of being used as a tool of oppression by influential individuals and called for Farotimi’s immediate release.

This controversy has reignited debates about the misuse of power and the independence of Nigerian law enforcement.

Critics are urging the authorities to prioritise justice and fairness, ensuring that the police remain impartial and committed to upholding human rights.

As tensions mount, all eyes remain on the police and the parties involved to provide clarity and resolution.