Blogger Remanded in Custody Over Alleged Defamation of UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu

A 19-year-old blogger, Nurenorue John Surpruchi, appeared before the Federal High Court in Lagos facing charges of cyberstalking, bullying, and defamation against Tony Elumelu, the Group Chairman and CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA). The Nigeria Police brought the case, accusing Surpruchi of using a computer system and social media to disseminate false and injurious information about the prominent businessman and his family.

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The defendant and others said to be at large allegedly used a computer system and social media platform to disseminate false and injurious information against Elumelu.

Surpruchi was arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on a four-count charge that includes conspiracy, cyberstalking, and publishing alleged defamatory statements. According to the prosecution, the defendant, along with accomplices who are currently at large, conspired to spread false information against Elumelu via social media platforms.

When the charges were read, Surpruchi pleaded not guilty to all counts. The prosecution indicated readiness to proceed but requested time to review the defendant's bail application, which had been filed that same day. Consequently, the prosecutor urged the court to remand Surpruchi in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service while awaiting the bail hearing and requested a trial date.

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Surpruchi pleaded not guilty to all the counts preferred against him.

Representing the defendant, counsel A. Edoh confirmed the bail application and requested a brief adjournment for its hearing. Justice Alagoa scheduled the bail application hearing for June 19, 2026, and ordered that Surpruchi be remanded in custody until further proceedings. The charges detail alleged conspiracy on or about April 5, 2026, to commit cyberstalking and the knowing transmission of a false, offensive, and menacing message through a Twitter (X) account allegedly registered in the defendant's name. The alleged publication included claims that Elumelu had divorced his wife following DNA test results indicating none of his seven children were his.

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The alleged publication claimed that Elumelu had divorced his wife following a DNA discovery purportedly showing that none of his seven children belonged to him.