On July 17, 2025, Lagos‐based social media activist Scott Iguma was arraigned before Justice Friday Ogazi of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on four counts of cyberstalking and defamation. The Police from the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department at Panti charged Iguma with using his Instagram platform—where he boasts over one million followers—to disseminate “unverified and defamatory statements” against PWAN Group’s founder, Dr. Augustine Onwumere. Iguma pleaded not guilty, and the court ordered him remanded at a correctional centre pending his bail hearing set for July 21, 2025 .
Prosecuting counsel Augustine Nwabuisi told the court that between May 27 and 28, 2025, Iguma posted videos alleging that PWAN was selling “receipts” instead of allocating actual plots of land, and warned followers—“If anything happens to me, PWAN should be the number one suspect.” The charges cite violations of Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act (As Amended) 2024, which prescribe penalties for cyberbullying intended to incite hatred or lawlessness .
In a statement issued the following day, PWAN Group “unequivocally” denied any role in Iguma’s arrest or detention. Signed by the head of PWAN’s media team, Leslie Ejiro, the release called assertions that the company orchestrated the police action “false, malicious, and deeply misleading.” PWAN emphasized that, as a private corporate entity, it “neither has the authority nor has ever exercised any power to arrest or detain any individual,” and noted that any legal disputes should be handled through proper legal and arbitration channels .
While Iguma maintains that his exposés were aimed at protecting PWAN’s customers, the company stressed that it had repeatedly invited him to dialogue—offers he “publicly declined.” PWAN added that internal audits found no unresolved subscriber complaints beyond their policy timelines, and warned that further defamatory claims could prompt legal action for libel. As Iguma awaits his bail application, the dispute highlights growing tension between influencer‐led activism and corporate reputation management in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
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