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19-Year-Old Arrested Over Alleged Fake News Targeting Tony Elumelu’s Family

Published by admin on September 28th, 2026.

19-Year-Old Arrested Over Alleged Fake News Targeting Tony Elumelu’s Family

A 19-year-old student, Emmanuel Akwuobi, popularly known online as Deriko, has reportedly been arrested over alleged cybercrime offences linked to social media posts involving Tony Elumelu’s family.

According to reports, Akwuobi allegedly used computer-generated images to create the impression that he was a wealthy, older man living abroad—an online persona that reportedly convinced several social media users.

The controversy reportedly began after allegations surfaced online earlier this year involving musician **Chike** and the wife of television presenter **Frank Edoho**.

A known social media troll, **Fimlex**, reportedly tweeted that he had heard Chike had been involved with another man’s wife. In response, Akwuobi allegedly mentioned **Tony Elumelu’s wife**.

Akwuobi has reportedly been arrested, arraigned on cybercrime-related charges and remanded in custody at Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

Meanwhile, members of his family have reportedly released emotional videos appealing to Tony Elumelu for forgiveness. They say the teenager is due to sit for his final examinations and fear that remaining in custody could prevent him from completing his studies and graduating.

The case has sparked renewed conversations about the consequences of spreading unverified claims online—and how quickly social-media trolling can escalate into serious legal trouble.