Court remands Instagram influencer over defamation against PWAN

Ikoyi, Lagos —The Federal High Court has ordered activist Scott Iguma remanded in custody until Monday 21 July, 2025.

Specifically, he faces criminal defamation charges against real estate giant PWAN.

Authorities arrested him Wednesday before arraigning him Thursday on ten serious counts.

Notably, Iguma boasts over one million Instagram followers who saw his allegedly defamatory posts.

Prosecutors claim he falsely accused PWAN of withholding land from paid investors.

 Furthermore, he labeled PWAN’s founder a “leader of thieves“, escalating tensions.

According to the charge sheet, Iguma warned followers: “If anything happens to me, PWAN should be your first suspect.”

Another post declared: “PWAN sells receipts, not land—avoid them for now.” Police argue these statements incited public hatred unlawfully.

Assistant Superintendent A.O. Nwabuisi asserts Iguma violated cybercrime laws, risking imprisonment under Section 24.

However, Iguma’s team fired back, calling his detention illegal since Lagos decriminalized defamation in 2011.

His Instagram account blasted police for intimidation, demanding immediate release.

 As tensions rise, this case tests free speech limits in Nigeria’s digital age.

The statement further alleged that PWAN leveraged its influence to orchestrate Iguma’s detention, claiming that the company used the Deputy Commissioner of Police at Yaba Panti to facilitate the arrest.

The case has sparked widespread debate on social media regarding freedom of speech and the role of law enforcement in civil disputes.

Supporters of Iguma strongly insist his posts merely exposed corporate wrongdoing to protect consumers.

However, critics fiercely argue his methods may have violated legal limits.

Now, the court will weigh both arguments when hearings begin Monday.

Meanwhile, legal experts and activists actively debate Nigeria’s defamation laws and their impact on free speech.

This case sharply highlights the tension between corporate rights and digital activism.

As discussions intensify, many demand clearer online regulations.

Ultimately, this trial could redefine how Nigeria balances accountability and expression.

The outcome may set a crucial precedent for future cases. All eyes remain fixed on Monday’s pivotal hearing.

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