The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the remand of popular activist and social media influencer, Scott Iguma, following his arraignment on Thursday over allegations of criminal defamation against real estate company PWAN Group.
Iguma, who was arrested on Wednesday by operatives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, is facing a 10-count charge related to the alleged publication of false and defamatory content via his Instagram account, which boasts over one million followers.
According to the charge sheet obtained by Vanguard, Iguma is accused of using his platform to post videos and messages accusing PWAN of fraudulent land dealings and branding the company’s founder as “the leader of the thieves.” The posts in question were allegedly made on May 27 and 28, 2025.
One of the posts cited in court reads:
“If anything happens to me, PWAN should be number 1 suspect. If anything happens to my family, nuclear and extended, hold PWAN responsible, even if I fall sick, hold PWAN responsible.”
Another reads:
“PWAN Real Estate Company, the company that sells receipt to people instead of land… I can boldly state and advise, do not buy property from PWAN for now.”
The Police, represented in court by ASP and Senior Legal Officer A.O. Nwabuisi, argued that the posts were false, inciting, and a threat to public order, thereby violating Section 24(1)(b) and punishable under Section 24(2)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended in 2024.
In reaction, a post from Iguma’s Instagram page, @scott_iguma, accused the police of acting unlawfully, stating:
“The Nigerian Police Force has again towed the path of illegality by detaining our client, Mr Scott Iguma, today for purportedly defaming PWAN. Assuming but not conceding that his videos defamed PWAN, defamation is no longer a crime in Lagos State following its decriminalisation under the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2011.”
The post further alleged abuse of power:
“PWAN used the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Yaba Panti, to detain Scott Iguma.”
Iguma is expected to return to court on Monday, July 21, as the case continues to generate nationwide attention over freedom of expression and the use of cybercrime laws in defamation matters.
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