Real estate firm denies role in arrest, prosecution
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.”
