A Nigerian court has granted bail to activist Scott Iguma, who faces charges of circulating a false video and issuing threats, in a case testing the boundaries of digital expression under the country’s cybercrime laws. Federal High Court Justice Friday Oghazi approved Iguma’s release on a ₦10 million (approximately $6,700) bond during a hearing in Lagos on Monday, with stringent conditions attached to prevent public commentary on the case.
Iguma’s legal team, led by Stanley Alieke, secured the bail after a formal application argued the activist should be freed under “lenient terms” while awaiting trial. Prosecutors under A. Nwabuisi did not contest the bail request but sought safeguards: both parties were ordered to avoid discussing the case publicly or sharing details about the complainant—an individual whose identity remains shielded—on social media. The defense countered by requesting equivalent restrictions on the complainant, ensuring neither side could sway public opinion ahead of proceedings.
Justice Oghazi mandated that Iguma’s surety—required to post an equal ₦10 million guarantee—must either own property within the court’s jurisdiction or be a mid-level federal or state civil servant with tax compliance records. The judge emphasized that violations of the gag order by either Iguma or the complainant could jeopardize the integrity of the trial. Lawyers for both sides were instructed to ensure their clients adhere to the directive.
The case stems from a July 2025 indictment alleging Iguma shared fabricated footage and made life-threatening statements, offenses punishable under Nigeria’s amended Cybercrimes Act. Critics have questioned the law’s broad provisions, which criminalize online content deemed “false” or “menacing,” amid debates about free speech in Africa’s most populous nation.
With the trial set to begin October 10, 2025, the proceedings will likely draw scrutiny from human rights advocates and legal analysts. Nigeria has seen rising tensions between digital activism and state accountability efforts, particularly since the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality, which relied heavily on social media mobilization.
This case marks the latest test of how courts balance cybersecurity concerns with constitutional protections. As nations globally grapple with regulating online speech, Iguma’s trial could offer insights into Nigeria’s judicial approach to bridging these competing priorities.
