Friday, July 18, 2025 - Justice Friday Oghazi of the Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday, remanded an activist, Scott Iguma, in a correctional facility over allegations of posting a false video and threats to life.
The judge made the order following Iguma’s arraignment by
the police on a four-count charge, involving posting a false video and causing
threats to life.
Iguma was accused of intentionally posting false
messages/videos on his Instagram page using a computer system to incite a
breakdown of law and order, hatred and posing a threat to life.
The prosecution claimed that the defendant posted false
information about Dr Augustine Onwumere’s reputation, which was circulated by
other followers on the Internet, knowing it to be false, with the intent of
causing a breakdown of law and order, hatred and posing a threat to life.
The defendant was accused of committing the offence on May
27 at Lekki Garden, Sangotedo.One of the counts reads that he intentionally
sent a message through Instagram with over one million followers.
The message captioned: “If anything happens to me, PWAN is
the number one suspect. If anything happens to my family, nuclear and extended,
hold PWAN responsible. Even if I fall sick, hold PWAN responsible.”
According to the police, the offence is contrary to Section
24 (1) (b) and punishable under section 24 (2)(ii) of the Cybercrimes
(Prohibition, Prevention Act as amended) 2024. He pleaded not guilty to all the
counts.
Following his plea, the prosecuting counsel, Mr A. Nwabuisi,
requested the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending
the determination of the suit, tagging the defendant a flight risk.
However, the defendant’s counsel, Stanley Alieke, requested
the court to grant the defendant bail, arguing that he would defend the suit,
and not a flight risk.
In a bench ruling, Justice Oghazi noted that the case was
not a capital offence, but as a court of record, the defendant’s counsel failed
to file an application for bail.
The judge remanded the defendant and adjourned till July 21
for hearing of the bail application and trial. Meanwhile, a real estate
company, PWAN, has denied any involvement in the arrest and prosecution of the
social media influencer and activist.
PWAN, in a statement signed by its Team Lead, Media, Ejiro
Akpabio, stated that as a private corporate entity, it had no power to detain
or arrest anybody.
The firm refuted the report that it was responsible for the
arrest or legal challenges of Iguma. Akpabio stated that according to reliable
information, Iguma was being held for allegedly evading lawful police
invitations and a reported altercation with law enforcement officials at Panti.
He stated: “These events are unrelated to PWAN and occurred
independently of any involvement or directive from our organisation. We
understand that these issues were brought before Justice Oghazi of the Federal
High Court, Lagos Division, during Iguma’s recent arraignment.
“We urge the public, media outlets and social commentators
to refrain from amplifying unfounded allegations. Let the judicial process
unfold transparently and without interference. PWAN remains firmly committed to
integrity, rule of law and the continued advancement of Nigeria’s real estate
sector through ethical, transparent business practices.”
.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments