Scott Iguma, a popular Nigerian social media influencer and house review agent, recently recounted his unforgettable encounter with the Nigerian police after being arrested for alleged defamation. Iguma was detained by the police following a complaint from PWAN, a real estate company, over his social media posts criticizing the company's practices.
The Arrest and Charges
Iguma's arrest was reportedly triggered by his posts accusing PWAN of failing to allocate land despite collecting payments from investors. The police allege that Iguma's statements were false and intended to cause a breakdown of law and order, posing a threat to life and inciting public hatred. He faces a 10-count charge bordering on publication of false information and defamation.
Iguma's Response
In response to his detention, Iguma's Instagram page posted a statement alleging that the Nigerian Police Force had acted illegally and that PWAN was using the Deputy Commissioner of Police to intimidate him. Iguma's legal team, led by Stanley Alieke and Chioma Nnenna Ire, argued that defamation is no longer a crime in Lagos State, following its decriminalization under the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2011.
The Controversy Surrounding Defamation Laws
The case highlights the complexities surrounding defamation laws in Nigeria. While Iguma's lawyers contend that his statements were protected under freedom of speech, PWAN's lawyers argue that the posts were defamatory and libelous. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how social media influencers and citizens exercise their right to free speech in Nigeria.
Key Players
- Scott Iguma: A Nigerian social media influencer and house review agent with over 1 million followers on Instagram.
- PWAN: A real estate company that filed a complaint against Iguma for alleged defamation.
- Stanley Alieke and Chioma Nnenna Ire: Iguma's lawyers who argue that his statements were protected under freedom of speech.
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