BREAKING: Court Grants Scott Iguma Bail

The Lagos State High Court on Monday granted bail to popular activist and social media influencer, Scott Iguma, three days after he was remanded in custody over allegations of criminal defamation brought against him by real estate company, PWAN.

Iguma had earlier been ordered into custody by the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on Thursday, following his arrest at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, Lagos. He is facing a 10-count charge relating to alleged false publication and defamation.

Recall, ASABAMETRO reported that the activist, last Monday, publicly accused PWAN of defrauding customers, claiming that over 130 petitions had been submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from alleged victims. Iguma further alleged that PWAN was selling “receipts instead of land” to unsuspecting investors.

His arrest sparked widespread backlash on social media, with influencers and entertainers including Tunde Ednut, VeryDarkMan, Stanley Ontop, and singer Kokopee accusing the police and PWAN of attempting to suppress Iguma’s voice.

PWAN’s founder, Augustine Onwumere, denied having a direct hand in Iguma’s arrest, stating that he merely visited the police after viewing a video in which Iguma claimed that if anything happened to him, PWAN should be held responsible.

“Let it be clear that I did not order his arrest,” Onwumere told reporters. “I only went to the police to clarify things after seeing that video.”

On Monday, musician Kokopee confirmed Iguma’s bail in a video posted on his social media account, assuring that legal efforts were underway to secure his release.

“After the hearing, the judge has granted Scott Iguma bail. His legal team is currently working round the clock to ensure all bail conditions are met,” Kokopee said. “One thing I must tell Nigerians is that we cannot be silent when it looks like oppression is around the corner. Injustice for one is injustice to all.”

He also had a word of caution for PWAN: “PWAN, be warned. If you say you are innocent, come forward with proof.”

When contacted for confirmation on the case, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the matter was already in the hands of the court.

“The matter is in court, and he ought to be arraigned today. I owe Nigerians no explanation again because it’s out of our jurisdiction,” Hundeyin said.

Iguma’s bail has been widely seen as a victory for civil rights advocates and online free speech campaigners, many of whom have vowed to continue monitoring the case.

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