Scott Iguma lands in court over defamation claims after accusing PWAN Group of land fraud.
The influencer faces cybercrime charges, while his lawyers allege police misuse and intimidation tactics.
A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered that social media activist and influencer Scott Iguma be remanded in custody until Monday, July 21, over charges of criminal defamation filed against him by the real estate firm PWAN Group.
Iguma, who has over one million followers on Instagram, was arrested on Wednesday at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba and appeared in court on Thursday. He is facing a 10-count charge related to false publication and cyber defamation, based on posts he made accusing PWAN of fraudulent land deals.
According to the prosecution, Iguma’s posts made on May 27 and 28, 2025 allegedly claimed that PWAN:
- Took money from investors without allocating land
- Was a firm that “sells receipts instead of land”
- Had a founder who was “the leader of the thieves”
In one of the viral posts, Iguma 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.”
Representing the Nigeria Police, ASP A.O. Nwabuisi argued that the content of Iguma’s posts was not only false and inflammatory but also endangered public peace and safety. The prosecution stated that the posts breached Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and are punishable under Section 24(2)(ii) of the same law, as amended in 2024.
However, Iguma’s legal team pushed back. In a statement released on his verified Instagram page @scott_iguma, his lawyers criticized the police, accusing them of overreach and misuse of authority.
“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 legal team further argued that:
- Under the 2011 Lagos State Criminal Law, defamation is no longer considered a criminal offence in the state.
- The matter is civil in nature and does not warrant police detention.
- The case highlights the use of law enforcement as a tool for intimidation.
They also alleged undue influence, stating:
“PWAN used the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Yaba Panti, to detain Scott Iguma.”
The court has adjourned the matter to Monday, July 21, 2025, for hearing on Iguma’s bail request and continuation of proceedings.
