Marking a significant crackdown on professional impersonation, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo ordered the remand of Negedu Patrick Siaka on Thursday, February 19. Siaka, 66, was arraigned before Justice Bello Kawu on charges of fraud and forgery after allegedly posing as an unauthorized public relations consultant and trainer to extort unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement released on Saturday, February 21, the Acting Director of Public Relations for the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Duke Imandu, confirmed the arraignment of the suspect. Negedu Patrick Siaka appeared before Hon. Justice Bello Kawu on a three-count charge involving impersonation, fraud, and forgery.
Acting on precise intelligence, the police apprehended 66-year-old Siaka in the Wuse district of Abuja in November 2024. The arrest followed an extensive investigation into his activities as an alleged fraudulent practitioner.
However, posing as a certified expert, Siaka allegedly lured members of the public into a sham training scheme. He reportedly used his false status as an NIPR-accredited consultant to extort money from victims who believed they were investing in legitimate professional development.
Beyond the discovery of illicitly held Institute credentials, a background check revealed a total lack of authorization: the individual is neither an NIPR member nor a certified trainer for the organization.
Prosecuting counsel Barr. Okokon Mbruk strenuously opposed the oral bail application, contending that the criminal nature of the offense necessitates a surety capable of posting a significant financial bond.
Meanwhile, Barr. F.M. Isong, appearing for the defendant, highlighted his client’s track record of cooperation while on administrative bail. He maintained that despite a serious health condition, the Lagos-based defendant has never missed a police invitation, proving himself a reliable party to the proceedings.
“The court has ordered the suspect’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre until February 25, 2026. This follows the adjournment of proceedings to allow for a definitive ruling on his pending bail application.
As the statutory regulator for public relations in Nigeria, the NIPR has intensified its crackdown on impersonators whose fraudulent activities continue to disparage the Institute’s professional standing
