Activist SCOTT IGUMA granted N10m bail over alleged defamation suit

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - Justice Friday Oghazi of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted bail in the sum of N10 million to activist Scott Iguma, who is currently standing trial over allegations of disseminating a false video and issuing threats to life.

The decision came during the bail hearing held on Monday, following a formal application by Iguma’s defence counsel, Stanley Alieke. The motion, dated July 17, 2025, was supported by a sworn affidavit, urging the court to grant bail under the most lenient terms.

While not opposing the application, prosecuting counsel A. Nwabuisi urged the court to bar the defence from sharing any information about the nominal complainant on social media and requested that both parties desist from making public comments about the matter.

In response, Alieke called on the court to apply the same restriction to the complainant, asking that they also be barred from speaking to the media or disseminating information through online platforms and bloggers.

Ruling on the application, Justice Oghazi said he was satisfied with the conditions presented and granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million, with one surety in like amount.

The judge outlined the criteria for the surety, stating that the person must present valid documentation confirming ownership of property located within the court’s jurisdiction. Alternatively, the surety could be a civil servant employed either by the Federal Government or the Lagos State Government, holding a position not below Grade Level 12, and must provide evidence of tax compliance.

Justice Oghazi directed both the defendant and the nominal complainant to refrain from making public statements regarding the case, noting that the matter is now before the court. He also instructed legal counsel on both sides to communicate the court’s directive to their respective clients.

The case was adjourned to October 10, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

Iguma was initially arraigned on July 17, 2025, on a four-count charge relating to the distribution of a false video and making life-threatening statements, offences said to be in violation of Section 24(1)(b) and punishable under Section 24(2)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (as amended) 2024.