Blogger arraigned in Lagos over alleged defamation of UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu

A 19-year-old blogger, Nurenorue Surpruchi, faces charges of cyberstalking and defamation against Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa. The blogger was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on a four-count charge including conspiracy, cyberstalking, bullying, and defamation. Surpruchi pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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the defendant and others still at large allegedly conspired on April 5, 2026, to use a computer system and network to disseminate false and injurious information against Elumelu.

Prosecutors allege that the defendant, along with others still at large, conspired on April 5, 2026, to use a computer system to disseminate false and damaging information about Elumelu. During the arraignment, the prosecution informed the court that they had just received the defendant's bail application and requested time to review it before filing a response. They urged the court to remand the defendant in custody pending the bail application's hearing and determination.

One of the charges details an alleged post from an X account, identified as “@PROBLElEMCHIMKYI,” claiming Elumelu divorced his wife after DNA tests revealed he was not the biological father of his seven children. This publication reportedly garnered significant engagement, with approximately 1.9 million views, 1,600 reposts, 6,300 likes, and over 600 saves. The prosecution contends this was intended to bully, threaten, and harass Elumelu, damaging his reputation and exposing him to public ridicule.

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although the prosecution was ready to proceed with the matter, it had only just been served with the defendant’s bail application earlier in the day.

Defence counsel confirmed the late service of the bail application and requested a short adjournment for the court to hear it. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa adjourned the matter to June 19, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered the defendant's remand in the custody of the Correctional Service. The alleged offenses contravene sections of the Cybercrimes Act.

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the prosecution alleged that the defendant used an X account identified as “@PROBLElEMCHIMKYI,” allegedly registered in his name, to publish false and offensive statements claiming that Elumelu had divorced his wife after discovering through DNA tests that none of his seven children belonged to him.