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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has welcomed a Federal Capital Territory High Court’s order remanding 66-year-old Negedu Patrick Siaka, whom it accused of tarnishing the profession by impersonating an accredited PR consultant and trainer.
NIPR, the sole regulator of public relations practice in Nigeria, has repeatedly condemned impersonators like Siaka for bringing disrepute to the institute and its members.
Acting Director of Public Relations, Duke Imandu, emphasised the body’s commitment to protecting the public.
“NIPR frowns at the activities of such impersonators who exploit our name for fraudulent schemes,” Imandu stated in a recent release dated February 21, 2026.
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Siaka was arraigned before Hon. Justice Bello Kawu at the Apo High Court on Thursday on three counts of impersonation, fraud, and forgery. Police arrested him in Abuja’s Wuse area in November 2024 after intelligence revealed he staged fake training sessions, extorting money from participants using forged NIPR letterheads and insignia. Investigations confirmed he holds no membership or authorisation from the institute.
Prosecutor Okokon Mbruk resisted Siaka’s bail plea, arguing the offence’s criminal nature demands a surety with financial security. Defense lawyer F.M. Isong urged release, noting his client’s compliance on administrative bail despite health challenges.
The court remanded Siaka to Kuje Correctional Centre pending a bail ruling on February 25, 2026—a move NIPR views as a strong deterrent.
Imandu reiterated the institute’s ongoing vigilance: “We will continue to expose and support actions against those undermining professional standards.”
