The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the remand of popular activist and social media influencer, Scott Iguma, in custody until Monday, following his arraignment on allegations of criminal defamation against a real estate firm, PWAN Group.
Iguma was brought before the court on Thursday, having been arrested the previous day, Wednesday, by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, Lagos State.
He currently faces a 10-count charge relating to the alleged dissemination of defamatory and false information against PWAN via his Instagram platform, which boasts over one million followers.
According to the Police, Iguma is accused of posting a series of videos and messages on Instagram in which he publicly alleged that PWAN collected payments from investors without allocating the promised land. In one of the posts, he also branded the founder of the real estate company as “the leader of the thieves.”
The charge sheet presented in court specifically cited posts made by Iguma on May 27 and 28, 2025, where he reportedly wrote: “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.”
In another post, Iguma allegedly declared: “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.”
Representing the Police in court, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and Senior Legal Officer, A.O. Nwabuisi, argued that the content of these posts was not only false but was deliberately crafted to incite public disorder, endanger lives, and provoke public hatred against PWAN.
The Police further asserted that Iguma’s actions are in direct violation of Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, which was amended in 2024. If convicted, the offences are punishable under Section 24(2)(ii) of the same Act.
In reaction to his detention, a statement was published on Iguma’s Instagram page, @scott_iguma, criticising the Police’s actions. The statement read:
“The Nigerian Police Force has again towed the path of illegality by detaining our client, Mr. Scott Iguma, today for purportedly defaming PWAN.”
The post further argued that, even if the allegations of defamation were valid, defamation is no longer a criminal offence in Lagos State, following its decriminalisation under the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2011.
The statement accused the Police of serving as instruments of oppression rather than protectors of justice, adding: “The Nigeria Police should stop being a vehicle for intimidation.”
Additionally, the post alleged that PWAN leveraged its influence by involving the Deputy Commissioner of Police at Yaba Panti in the process leading to Iguma’s detention.
Iguma is expected to remain in custody pending the court’s further proceedings scheduled for Monday.