The Federal High Court in Ikoyi has ordered the remand of social media influencer and activist, Scott Iguma, over allegations of criminal defamation against the real estate company, PWAN.
Iguma, who was arrested on Wednesday by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, Lagos, appeared before the court on Thursday. He is to remain in custody until Monday.
According to the charge sheet, Iguma faces a 10-count charge for allegedly publishing false and defamatory statements on Instagram, where he has over one million followers.
The police allege that Iguma accused PWAN of collecting payments from investors without allocating land, and further described the company’s founder as “the leader of the thieves.”
The charge sheet also cites specific posts made on May 27 and 28, 2025, in which Iguma reportedly stated:
“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.”
He also allegedly wrote: “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 by Assistant Superintendent of Police and Senior Legal Officer, A.O. Nwabuisi, argue that the posts were false, capable of inciting public hatred, and posed a threat to life. The alleged offences contravene Section 24 (1)(b) and are punishable under Section 24 (2)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended in 2024.
Reacting to the detention, a statement on Iguma’s Instagram page, @scott_iguma, accused the police of acting illegally, noting:
“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 Nigeria Police should stop being a vehicle for intimidation.”
The post further alleged that PWAN influenced the detention by using the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Yaba Panti.
Leave a Reply