The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the remand of popular activist and influencer Scott Iguma in custody until Monday, July 21, over allegations of criminal defamation against real estate firm, PWAN Group.
Iguma, who commands a following of over one million on Instagram, was arraigned on Thursday after being arrested on Wednesday at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba.
Iguma is facing a 10-count charge bordering on false publication and criminal defamation, allegedly made using his social media platform to accuse PWAN of fraudulent real estate practices.
In a series of posts reportedly made on May 27 and 28, 2025, Iguma claimed that PWAN:
- Collected payments from investors without allocating land,
- Was a company that “sells receipts instead of land”, and
- Allegedly called PWAN’s founder “the leader of the thieves.”
He also posted:
“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.”
The Nigeria Police, represented in court by ASP A.O. Nwabuisi, stated that Iguma’s posts were false, inciting, and posed a threat to public order and personal safety. They argued that the content contravened Section 24 (1)(b) and is punishable under Section 24 (2)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, recently amended in 2024.
The police claim that Iguma’s online accusations were made with the intent to damage the reputation of PWAN and to incite public hatred and unrest.
Iguma’s legal team pushes back
Reacting to his remand, a post on his verified Instagram handle @scott_iguma criticised the Nigeria Police for what it called an abuse of power.
“The Nigerian Police Force has again towed the path of illegality by detaining our client, Mr Scott Iguma, today for purportedly defaming PWAN,” the statement read.
The statement further argued that:
- Defamation is no longer a criminal offence in Lagos State, following the 2011 Lagos State Criminal Law which decriminalised it.
- The police have no legal basis to detain Iguma over the civil matter.
- The case is an example of “using law enforcement for intimidation.”
The post also alleged that PWAN had influenced the police, claiming:
“PWAN used the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Yaba Panti, to detain Scott Iguma.”
The court adjourned the matter to Monday, July 21, 2025, for hearing on Iguma’s bail application and further proceedings.
