Surrogate of Nigerian government in United States sought bribe from human rights organization

New York, March 3, 2007—A New York based human rights organization, Africans In America, Inc. has raised alarm over bribe reportedly demanded by a self-professed surrogate of Nigeria government.

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabahal-Salem-Alsabah. Some surrogates like leaches and viruses would do anything to come close to prominent leaders, have some quick shots of the encounter and use the photos to scam any unsuspecting individual with interest in Nigeria, including foreign investors.

The surrogate had reportedly demanded the bribe from the organization, threatening that failure to comply, she will use her influence to scuttle a scheduled event in Nigeria House, New York on March 2, 2007.

It has to be noted that the event organized and sponsored by Africans In America, Inc. was for humanitarian purpose in regards to human trafficking, violence against women and Nigerians with disabilities. This event was intended to complement Nigerian government effort, such as Nigerian Heart of Africa project. The Chief guests were Hon. Mrs. Inna Maryam Ciroma, the Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development; Her Excellency, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Former Governor of Anambra State and Mrs. Marthina Okeke, 68 years old Nigeria woman who is a victim of international human trafficking currently stranded in New York city.

This picture of Nigeria delegate to the UN was used in the scam. Surrogate claims she was appointed speaker of Nigerians in the US by the Nigerian President Obasanjo.

The surrogate who bears the title ‘Chief Ms.’ and claims that she is an agent of Nigeria State Security Service (S. S. S.), also claims to have contacts and connections in the highest level of Nigeria government, and went as far as mentioning their names.

The Executive Director of Africans In America, Inc, Bonaventure Ezekwenna while briefing concerned citizens and newsmen in New York called for clinical investigation to get to the root of this scandal.

He stated that the reform effort of Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo would be a sham if the surrogates roam about soliciting and collecting bribes in the name of senior Nigeria government officials.

Mr. Bonaventure Ezekwenna stated that the details of the fraud would only be disclosed to authentic independent government agency for investigation due to the nature of the fraud and names mentioned.

Picture of New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg has reportedly been used in the scam, as well.

Africans In America News Watch investigation reveals that the ‘Chief Ms.’ was in conspiracy with a very high level worker within the Nigerian Mission to the United Nations; and it appears what happened here has been going on within the mission and unquestioned. Even though the event was not totally scuttled, however, the high level worker interfered in the program and threw the event off course.

Africans In America News Watch investigation also reveals that the event was also supposed to raise awareness on the current predicament of one Ms. Celestina Ifeacho Joseph, a Nigerian victim of human trafficking stranded in Houston, Texas. Chief Eric N. Ufom, President of Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International, Inc. and Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities of Nigeria in the Diaspora, USA, Chapter, contacted our office is championing that case. The victim was trafficked from Nigeria in 1984 at age of 10. She reportedly stayed and worked in captivity for over 15 years without pay. She suffered horrendous physical, sexual, emotional, financial abuse and exploitation.

Ms. Celestina Ifeacho Joseph was recently erroneously arrested by the U. S. Immigration Department and was facing deportation. However, the authorities have been alerted and full investigation is on at this moment. Thanks to Chief Eric N. Ufom’s efforts.

Mr. Bonaventure Ezekwenna stated that this is the second time a high society woman claiming to be surrogate of Nigeria government officials sought bribe from his organization.

The first was in November 2003 when an ex-con demanded bribe in order to allow an event planned for Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chris Ngige to go on.

For failing to comply with the demand, the ex-con diverted the governor’s itinerary and instead took him to shopping at Sach’s Fifth Avenue, New York, New York at the time the governor was scheduled to be at the event. She later bragged about her exploits.

The disappointment resulting in series of press jabs between the governor’s office and the human rights body.

Upon, being ousted from office, the governor fled Nigeria and sought asylum in United States. Recent U.S. attention on the past disgraceful and questionable conducts of the governor had forced him to abandon his application for asylum in United States and return to Nigeria.

Mr. Bonaventure Ezekwenna is calling on the Nigeria government to do away with loose surrogates and pay serious attention to the problem of human trafficking, especially, the plight of the 68 years old Nigeria woman currently stranded in New York city.