Court Remands Suspected Quack PR Practitioner in Kuje
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Thursday ordered the remand of a 66-year-old man, Negedu Patrick Siaka, for allegedly parading himself as a public relations consultant and trainer without authorisation.
Siaka was arraigned before Justice Bello Kawu on a three-count charge bordering on impersonation, fraud and forgery.
In a statement announcing the court proceedings signed by Duke Imandu, Acting Director of Public Relations of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR.
According to court proceedings, the defendant was arrested by the police in November 2024 in the Wuse area of Abuja following intelligence reports that he had allegedly staged a training programme and extorted money from unsuspecting members of the public.
He was accused of posing as a trainer and consultant accredited by the institute.
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Investigations further revealed that the defendant was neither a registered member of the Institute nor authorised to organise professional training on its behalf. He was also allegedly found in possession of letterheads and other insignia belonging to the Institute.
During the proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Barrister Okokon Mbruk, opposed an oral bail application made on behalf of the defendant. He argued that the offences were criminal in nature and required stringent bail conditions, including the provision of a surety who would deposit a specified sum as security.
Counsel to the defendant, Barrister F.M. Isong, however, urged the court to grant bail, stating that his client, who resides in Lagos, had previously been on police administrative bail and had consistently honoured invitations despite his health challenges.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Kawu ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending a ruling on his bail application scheduled for February 25, 2026.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, which regulates the practice of public relations in the country, has repeatedly warned against impersonation and unauthorised use of its name and credentials, describing such acts as damaging to the integrity of the profession.
By PRNigeria
