Bayelsa Youths Warned As Alleged Pageant Organizer Arrested for ₦9.6 Million Fraud, Exploitation Scheme
By Passman Akpos
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — A concerned citizen and advocate for good governance, Perekeme Fidelis Perekeme Jnr, has issued a public warning to Bayelsa residents following the discovery of a disturbing case of fraud and exploitation allegedly orchestrated by Mr. Richard Pere Franklin, the purported organizer of the “Bayelsa Dream Queen Beauty Pageant” and “Skill Up Bayelsa” initiatives.
According to Perekeme, the warning follows a distressing report from a young woman who claimed to have lost ₦9,655,000 to the suspect through deceitful means. “Following due investigation, the suspect has been apprehended and is currently in police custody, pending court proceedings scheduled for Monday,” Perekeme stated.
Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly lured and manipulated young women under the guise of offering modeling, empowerment, and pageantry opportunities, only to defraud and exploit them. Some victims also reported being threatened with the release of private and sensitive materials, including nude images, to silence them.
Perekeme urged youths, particularly young women, to remain vigilant and skeptical of opportunities that promise fame or wealth without clear legitimacy.
> “Please, thoroughly verify any program, pageant, or opportunity before participating. Do not allow promises of fame or quick success to lead you into exploitation. Always inform trusted persons about your engagements and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately,” he cautioned.
He further called on victims of similar fraudulent schemes to come forward, assuring that justice would be pursued to protect others from falling prey.
> “Together, we must protect our state and ensure Bayelsa remains a safe place for all,” Perekeme added.
Victims Speak Out
One of the alleged victims, Shulamite Buku, recounted her experience with the suspect:
> “I know this Richard guy through his friend. He later met me behind his friend’s back, saying he wanted me to be a brand ambassador for a health product. He promised to pay me ₦4 million, saying I would give him 40%.
In the process, he started talking about traveling to meet ‘big men’ that might change my life. I immediately warned him to stop contacting me. He always name-dropped people we know in town, claiming he helped make their stories. I just knew deep down he wasn’t a good person.”
Another witness, identified as Hairby Stancy, shared her encounter:
> “He once came to my shop and asked me to give him the contacts of fine, popular models in Bayelsa.”
The case has sparked wider concern in the state, with calls for tighter oversight of pageantry and youth empowerment programs. Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing and that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear once court proceedings begin next week.
