A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo, on Thursday, ordered the remand of one Negedu Patrick Siaka for allegedly parading himself as a public relations consultant and trainer.
He was arraigned before Hon. Justice Bello Justice Kawu on three-count charges bordering on impersonation, fraud and forgery.
The police had in November, 2024, apprehended the 66 years old Siaka in the Wuse area of Abuja following an intelligence report.
He had allegedly staged a training programme where he extorted money from unsuspecting members of the public, posing as a Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)-accredited trainer and consultant.
Siaka was also found in the illegal possession of letterheads and other insignia of the Institute. Further investigations revealed that he is neither a member of NIPR nor authorised to organise such training.
The prosecuting counsel, Barrister Okokon Mbruk, opposed an oral application to grant the defendant bail, insisting that the offence which is criminal in nature requires a surety who would deposit a sum of money as security.
Counsel to the defendant, Barrister F.M. Isong argued that his client, resident in Lagos, has been on police administrative bail and has never failed to honour any invitation despite his health condition.
The court ordered the remand of the suspect in Kuje Correctional Centre till February 25, 2026 when it will rule on his bail application.
NIPR which regulates the practice of public relations in the country has repeatedly frowned at the activities of impersonators bringing the Institute’s name to disrepute.
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