A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo has ordered the remand of a 66-year-old man, Negedu Patrick Siaka, over allegations of impersonating a public relations consultant and trainer under the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The defendant was arraigned on Thursday before Hon. Justice Bello Kawu on a three-count charge bordering on impersonation, fraud and forgery.
According to the prosecution, Siaka was apprehended by the police in the Wuse area of Abuja in November 2024 following an intelligence report. He allegedly organised a training programme where he extorted money from unsuspecting members of the public while posing as a trainer and consultant accredited by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Investigations further revealed that he was in illegal possession of the Institute’s insignia and is neither a registered member of the NIPR nor authorised to organise such professional training programmes.
During proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Barrister Okokon Mbruk, opposed an oral application for bail, arguing that the offences are criminal in nature and require a surety who would deposit a sum of money as security.
However, counsel to the defendant, Barrister F.M. Isong, informed the court that his client, who resides in Lagos, had previously been granted administrative bail by the police and had honoured all invitations despite his health challenges.
After listening to both parties, the court ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending ruling on his bail application. The matter was adjourned to February 25, 2026, for the court’s decision on bail.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, which regulates public relations practice in the country, has repeatedly warned against the activities of impersonators, stating that such actions bring the Institute’s name into disrepute.
