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A Lagos court has ordered the remand of Nigerian media personality Scott Iguma in custody until Monday following his arrest over allegations made against real estate firm PWAN Group. The case has drawn public attention amid debates over free speech and corporate accountability in Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub.

Iguma, a social media influencer known for advocating on behalf of alleged fraud victims, was initially detained Wednesday at Panti Police Station after accusing PWAN of selling land receipts to customers without granting ownership. The Lagos State High Court in Ikoyi formalized his remand on Thursday. Details surrounding the charges remain unclear, but the move has sparked criticism from public figures, including musician Kokopee, who condemned the decision in a viral Instagram video.

“He’s been remanded for fighting for people,” Kokopee said in the footage filmed outside the courthouse. “Did he kill someone? Commit a crime? I thought defamation wasn’t a criminal offense here.” Her remarks reference ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s legal framework, where defamation can be pursued as both a civil and criminal matter under certain statutes.

Iguma’s clash with PWAN escalated this week when he claimed to have submitted 130 petitions to Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of customers who alleged being defrauded by the company. “PWAN sells receipts instead of land,” he wrote Monday on Instagram, adding that 30 more complaints remained unprocessed as “victims keep sharing their stories daily.” Prior to his arrest, he accused PWAN’s leadership of leveraging police connections to silence dissent, though these claims remain unverified.

The EFCC, tasked with investigating financial crimes, has not publicly commented on Iguma’s petitions. PWAN Group, which operates across multiple African countries, has consistently denied wrongdoing, emphasizing compliance with real estate regulations.

Legal analysts note the case highlights tensions between consumer advocacy and corporate reputation management in Nigeria’s rapidly growing property sector. With Iguma’s remand set to last through the weekend, observers anticipate heightened scrutiny of Monday’s court proceedings, where formal charges are expected to be disclosed. Kokopee’s video, viewed over 85,000 times, underscores rising public interest in a case intersecting free expression, alleged fraud, and judicial processes.