Justice Friday Oghazi of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted bail to media personality Scott Iguma over charges of cybercrime, alleged dissemination of false information and issuing threats to life.
Mr Iguma allegedly shared a video making false claims against a real estate company, PWAN, which led to the charges filed against him.
He was admitted to bail on Monday in the sum of N10 million, with one surety in like sum.
In his ruling, the judge specified that the surety must present documents proving ownership of property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Alternatively, the surety may be a civil servant with either the Federal or Lagos State Government, not below Grade Level 12 and must provide evidence of tax payment.
Justice Oghazi further ordered both the nominal complainant and the defendant to refrain from making public comments about the ongoing case either online or through media platforms, noting that the matter is now before the court.
Iguma was arraigned by the Nigerian Police on Thursday, July 17, on a four-count charge bordering on cybercrime, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) and punishable under Section 24(2)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024.
During the bail hearing, Iguma’s counsel, Stanley Alieke, urged the court to grant bail on the most liberal terms, citing the activist’s commitment to public advocacy.
Prosecuting counsel A.O. Nwabuisi did not oppose the bail application but requested that both parties be barred from sharing details of the case on social media.
In response, Mr Alieke also asked the court to caution the petitioner against further media commentary, including granting interviews and distributing press statements to bloggers.
The court adjourned the matter to October 10 for trial.
Iguma had earlier accused real estate firm PWAN Group of fraud, alleging the company failed to allocate land to clients despite issuing receipts.
His legal team had claimed he was arrested at the behest of PWAN Group and its founder, Augustine Onwumere, through the office of the deputy commissioner of Police at Panti, Yaba.
PWAN, however, denied any involvement in Iguma’s arrest and described the allegations as false and malicious.
The company acknowledged Iguma’s online accusations but maintained that it responded through legal channels and had invited him to a dialogue, an offer they said he declined.
“The suggestion that we are responsible for Mr Iguma’s current legal challenges is entirely false, malicious, and deeply misleading. We neither have the authority nor have ever exercised the power to arrest or detain anyone,” the company stated.
PWAN added that Iguma’s detention stemmed from allegedly evading lawful police invitations and a reported altercation with law enforcement at Panti.
Earlier, Iguma had been remanded in prison by the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikoyi. His continued detention was confirmed in a video posted by singer KokoPee from the court premises.
With bail now granted, he is expected to prepare his defence as the legal proceedings continue.
