Lagos Court Grants N10m Bail to Activist Scott Iguma Over Cybercrime Charges
WRITTEN BY OKAFOR JOSEPH
Lagos, Nigeria – July 22, 2025 – The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail to Nigerian activist, Scott Iguma, in the sum of N10 million following his arraignment on charges bordering on cybercrime, including the alleged dissemination of a false video and issuing threats to life.
Presiding over the bail hearing on Monday, Justice Friday Oghazi approved the bail application filed by Iguma’s lawyer, Stanley Alieke. The motion, dated July 17, 2025, was backed by an affidavit requesting the court to consider lenient bail conditions.
During proceedings, the prosecution, led by A. Nwabuisi, did not oppose the application but urged the court to prohibit the defence from making public comments or sharing any information concerning the nominal complainant on social media platforms. In response, Alieke requested that the same restriction be extended to the complainant, to prevent media leaks or online commentary.
Justice Oghazi, ruling on the matter, stated that he was satisfied with the submissions and granted bail under strict conditions. The bail was set at N10 million with one surety in the same amount. The surety must either own verifiable property within the jurisdiction of the court or be a civil servant employed by the federal or Lagos State government, not below Grade Level 12, with evidence of consistent tax payment.
The judge also instructed both the defendant and the complainant to abstain from making any public statements about the ongoing case. Legal counsel were directed to ensure their clients adhere to the court’s order. The matter has been adjourned until October 10, 2025, when trial proceedings will commence.
Scott Iguma was first arraigned on July 17, 2025, on a four-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (as amended) 2024. He is accused of violating Section 24(1)(b), which criminalizes the distribution of harmful content and threats, and is punishable under Section 24(2)(ii) of the same law.
The case is expected to test the boundaries of Nigeria’s cybercrime legislation and digital expression laws as it unfolds.
