Fake CNN Reporter Nabbed In Bayelsa

Paul Yempe, who passed himself off as a journalist working for the US-based Cable News Network (CNN), succeeded in swindling key officials of the Bayelsa State government, Sahara Reporters has discovered. Our sources in the state and within law enforcement disclosed that the fraudster obtained various sums of money running into millions of naira from state officials who were desperate to receive favorable coverage about the state beset by rising insecurity and incessant kidnappings.

Investigations by Sahara Reporters revealed that Allison Okuro, the secretary to the Bayelsa government, as well as Martins Fefegha, the state's commissioner of Information, were among the victims who lost money in the fraudulent deal that was recently exposed.

A source said the fake reporter had moved round several government ministries, departments and agencies collecting bribes before his luck ran out.

Our reporter learned that Mr. Okuro, a professor, had offered hotel accommodation to the imposter and had written a memo seeking the release of funds for a phony documentary promised by the fake reporter in addition to advance cash payments to Mr. Yempe.

Contacted to react on his involvement, the Commissioner for Information declined to state the amount of money he had advanced to the fake journalist. He however admitted that there were plans to lodge money into the reporter’s account before the deceptive deal came to limelight.