Court Grants N10m Bail to Activist Scott Iguma Over Cybercrime Allegations

Justice Friday Oghazi of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail in the sum of N10 million to activist Scott Iguma, who is facing trial over charges of disseminating a false video and issuing threats to life.

The ruling was delivered on Monday during a bail hearing, following a formal application by Iguma’s legal counsel, Stanley Alieke. The motion, dated July 17, 2025, was backed by a sworn affidavit requesting the court to grant bail under lenient conditions.

Although the prosecution, led by A. Nwabuisi, did not oppose the bail application, the prosecutor urged the court to restrict the defence from publishing any information about the nominal complainant on social media. Nwabuisi also requested both parties to refrain from making public comments on the case.

In response, Alieke called for equal restrictions on the complainant, asking the court to bar them from granting media interviews or releasing information through blogs and online platforms.

Justice Oghazi ruled in favour of the application, stating he was satisfied with the bail terms. The court granted bail in the sum of N10 million, with one surety in like sum. The surety, the court stated, must either present proof of ownership of property within the court’s jurisdiction or be a civil servant with the Federal or Lagos State Government on Grade Level 12 or above, and must show evidence of tax compliance.

The judge further issued a gag order, directing both the defendant and the nominal complainant to refrain from making public statements about the case, noting that it is now sub judice. Counsel on both sides were also instructed to communicate the directive to their clients.

The case was adjourned to October 10, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

Iguma was arraigned on July 17, 2025, on a four-count charge related to the alleged circulation of a false video and issuing life-threatening statements — offences said to contravene Section 24(1)(b) and punishable under Section 24(2)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (as amended) 2024.