Niger Delta Militant Groups Call for Calm

In its reaction to widespread unrest in the northern part of the country, the Joint Revolutionary Council, a local militia organization, has called on youth in the Niger Delta to remain calm.


“While we recognize that there are strong northern interests in the Niger Delta, we will remain calm and will do the best we can to reject acts of provocation currently being deployed by elements of northern extraction,” the group said in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte.

Supporters of Muhammadu Buhari, the Congress for Progressive Change’s presidential candidate, have taken to the streets since Monday to protest the results of Saturday’s election. But the militia group believes the actions of the protesters, which has included burning posters, tires and buildings, underscores a bigger problem.

“The unrest in the North should give the current government another reason to visit the idea of the convocation of a sovereign national conference,” the group said, adding that “it has become very clear to all that we do not belong together.”

The group also accused political leaders of involvement in the crisis and called for an investigation. “Let us not forget that some northern leaders had in very recent times threatened the peace of the Nigerian state should they not be chosen in their targeted political spheres. These people should be brought to book,” it said.

In a related development, some former warlords of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) yesterday held an emergency meeting following the outbreak of riots in some part of the country over the outcome of last Saturday’s presidential election.

The meeting blamed what they called “disgruntled politicians and crises-profiteers” for the crisis, saying the masses of the north are as marginalized as their counterparts in the southern part of the country. They also promised not to promote any retaliatory actions in the south-south.

“We condemn, in very strong terms, the post-election violence being perpetrated and sponsored in parts of northern Nigeria by disgruntled politicians and crises-profiteers. We regard the outbreak of violent protests as uncalled-for, barbaric and very retrogressive,” the group said at the end of the meeting. “But we dare assert that this sponsored violence does not in any way mirror or reflect the inner feelings of the overwhelming majority of the northern masses. The northern masses, just like their brothers and sisters in the south, particularly the Niger Delta, are victims of years of misrule under the same persons orchestrating the post-election violence across the north.”

The meeting was attended by Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo); Ateke Tom; Asari Dokubo; Bibopre Ajube (aka Shoot At Sight), Ezekiel Akpasibewei, Farah Dagogo, Africa Ukparasia, Paul Ezizi; Reuben Wilson, Joshua Macaiver, Ferdinand Amaibi; Tamunegiyeifori Proby; Kenneth Opusinji; Kile Selky Torughedi; Bonny Gawei Aboy Muturu; Hendrick Opukeme; Paul Bebenimibo; Dennis Otuaro; Gomoh Ekiyou; Saibakumo Wilson Gbaire; Andabafa Opunamah, and Soboma Jackrich.

source – 234next

How BBC caused crisis in Northern Nigeria

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service had been blamed for the riots and confusion in Adamawa State, following its alleged broadcast that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, had won the election in Adamawa State, when the electoral commission in the state was still collating results.

The Special Adviser to the Adamawa State Governor, Aminu Iyawa, told journalists that the BBC broadcast was orchestrated to cause mischief and chaos. He said violence erupted after the electoral commission announced Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP as winner in the state.

An indefinite curfew has been imposed in and around Kano, following the outbreak of violence which erupted in the commercial city, resulting in the death of no fewer than two persons.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Dan’azumi Doma, announced the emergency security measure, after a meeting of heads of security agencies. The police commissioner said the curfew would be in force until further notice, while warning residents of Kano to remain indoors, as anybody found violating the curfew would be arrested and prosecuted.

“We have imposed an indefinite curfew in Kano State with immediate effect. So all law-abiding citizens are advised, in their own interest, to go to their respective homes and wait for further notice,” he said. As early as 8.00 a.m, on Monday, thousands of irate youths took to the streets, burning homes and mounting roadblocks on some major roads across the city, forcing residents to run for their lives. In most parts of Kano city, especially Hotoro, Badawa, Sharada, Na’ba-wa, and Dakata, the aggrieved youth attacked homes of some supposed pro-Jonathan politicians, in what was now believed to be a clear case of post-election violence.

A combined team of police and army had been drafted to all streets in the state capital, while the situation remained tense, as most streets were empty and businesses under lock and key. 
Activities paralysed in Gombe Also in Gombe, supporters of the CPC, mainly youths, continued their violent activities and burnt down structures belonging to PDP stalwarts as well as government structures and places of worship around the town, killing one policeman in the process.

A divisional police officer of one of the police divisions was also wounded and was currently receiving treat-ment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gombe. An eyewitness disclosed that Abuja Quarters was the worst hit, as the rampaging youth targeted the private residence of the state governor, Muhammad Danjuma Goje, as well as houses of other PDP stalwarts in the area, chanting Nigeria sai Buhari.

Source: tribune.com.ng

U.S State Department Issues Fresh Travel Warning for Nigeria

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria and continues to recommend U.S. citizens to avoid all but essential travel to the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers; the Southeastern states of Abia, Edo, Imo; the city of Jos in Plateau State, Bauchi and Borno States in the northeast; and the Gulf of Guinea because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas.  Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by persons wearing police and military uniforms, remains a problem throughout the country.  This notice replaces the Travel Warning for Nigeria, dated October 19, 2010, to update information on violent activity and crime in Nigeria.

Since January 2009, over 140 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Nigeria, including five U.S. citizens since November 2010.  Six foreign nationals were killed during these abductions, while two U.S. citizens were also killed in separate kidnapping attempts in Port Harcourt in April 2010.  Local authorities and expatriate businesses operating in Nigeria assert that the number of kidnapping incidents throughout Nigeria remains underreported. 

In 2010, alleged Boko Haram members claimed responsibility for bombings in the country.  A bomb exploded December 31, 2010, near a busy Abuja "fish bar,” killing several people and injuring many others.  On December 24, 2010, alleged Boko Haram members detonated several explosive devices in Jos, Plateau State, and conducted attacks against police and others in Maiduguri, Borno State, leading to significant casualties and property loss.  In October 2010, Boko Haram members attacked various Nigerian government security personnel and facilities, government officials, and authority figures in northeastern Bauchi and Borno States. 

On October 1, 2010, two car bombs detonated near Eagle Square in downtown Abuja during Independence Day celebrations, killing ten and wounding many others.  A Movement to Emancipate the Niger Delta (MEND) spokesperson claimed responsibility for this attack, while most former MEND militants publicly disavowed any links.  Since then, this MEND spokesperson threatened further bombings in Abuja.  In September 2010, over 150 members of the Boko Haram extremist religious sect escaped from prison in Northeast Bauchi, some of whom may be participating in Boko Haram attacks in other parts of the country.  Since March 2010, five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have detonated in the Niger Delta region with one to three reported casualties.  

Nigeria has scheduled general elections in April 2011, with National Assembly elections on April 9, a Presidential election on April 16, and Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections on April 26.  During the electoral campaign, several acts of violence have occurred in various locations in the country, resulting in scores of deaths and injuries.  The U.S. Mission has urged U.S. citizens to exercise caution and to avoid political rallies and demonstrations; as such events sometimes become violent and unpredictable. 

A loose alliance of militant groups in the Niger Delta region has conducted a number of attacks against oil installations and posts of the Nigerian military’s Joint Task Force (JTF), which had attempted to close the militant camps.  In June 2009, the Federal Government of Nigeria offered unconditional amnesty to any militants willing to surrender their arms and accept the government’s amnesty program.  While almost all major militant leaders accepted the offer and the amnesty remains in effect, the potential for violence and the risk of kidnapping remains, with violent incidents involving “ex-militants” continuing. 

Travel by foreigners to areas considered by the Nigerian government to be conflict areas without prior consultation and coordination with local security authorities is not recommended.  The Nigerian government may view such travel as inappropriate and potentially illegal, and it may detain violators.  Nigerian authorities detained six U.S. citizens, including journalists, on six occasions, in areas where militant groups had operated in 2008. 

The Nigerian government interrogated these U.S. citizens for lengthy periods of time without bringing any formal charges before ultimately deporting them.  Journalists are required to obtain a special accreditation from the Ministry of Information prior to traveling to conflict areas in the Niger Delta region states.  This special accreditation is in addition to the general press accreditation and a valid Nigerian visa which are required to conduct such activities elsewhere in Nigeria.

Many foreign oil companies operating in the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers have implemented “essential travel only” policies for their personnel.  The U.S. Mission currently requires advance permission for U.S. government travel to these states, as well as the states of Abia, Edo, and Imo, the city of Jos in Plateau State, and Bauchi and Borno States, given the safety and security risk assessments and the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General's limited ability to provide assistance to people detained by Nigerian authorities in these states.  U.S. citizens who are resident in these states are advised to review their personal security in light of the information contained in this Travel Warning.

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society in which different ethnic and religious groups often coexist in the same geographic area.  Travelers throughout the country should be aware that, in areas where such circumstances prevail, there is the potential for ethnic or religious-based disturbances.  The States of Bauchi, Borno, and Plateau have experienced violence by fringe sects or inter-ethnic groups in the past year.

Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by some persons wearing police and military uniforms, is an ongoing problem throughout the country, especially at night.  Visitors and resident U.S. citizens have experienced armed muggings, assaults, burglary, carjacking, rape, kidnappings, and extortion - often involving violence.  Home invasions remain a serious threat, with armed robbers accessing even guarded compounds by scaling perimeter walls; following, or tailgating, residents or visitors arriving by car into the compound; and subduing guards and gaining entry into homes or apartments. 

Armed robbers in Lagos also access waterfront compounds by boat. U.S. citizens, as well as Nigerians and other expatriates, have been victims of armed robbery at banks and grocery stores and on airport roads during both daylight and evening hours.  Law enforcement authorities usually respond slowly or not at all, and provide little or no investigative support to victims.  U.S. citizens, Nigerians, and other expatriates have experienced harassment and shakedowns at checkpoints and during encounters with Nigerian law enforcement officials.  Traveling outside of major cities after dark is not recommended due to both crime and road safety concerns.  There are regular reports of piracy off the coast of Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea.  Armed gangs have boarded both commercial and private vessels to rob travelers.  The Nigerian Navy has limited capacity to respond to criminal acts at sea. 

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Nigeria are strongly advised to register through the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for up-to-date information on any restrictions.  The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is open Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The U.S. Embassy in Abuja can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies, at [234(9) 461-4000].  The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies at [234(1) 460-3600] or [234 (1) 460-3400].  You may also visit the U.S. Embassy's web site. 

source - U.S State Department

Trendy Africa is an accredited Foreign Press Media 

THE EMERGENCE OF NIGERIA'S NEXT PRESIDENT

Nigerians are set to exercise their civic rights to vote and elect the next President. The exercise will be conducted in 120,001 polling booths spread across the country. There are a total of 18 candidates on the list. The candidates include incumbent president, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of the ruling PDP; Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Change  (CPC), who is making his third attempt at the presidency; Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) presidential candidate Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, who is the governor of Kano State.


Of the 18 candidates, seven are from the South-South geo-political zone. They are: President Jonathan, Rev. Chris Okotie of the Fresh Democratic Party, Ebiti Onoyom Ndok (the only female), United National Party for Development (UNPD), Prof. Pat Utomi of the Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP), Akpona Solomon of the National Majority Democratic Party (NMDP), Ambrose Awuru of Hope Democratic Party (HPT) and Chris Nwaokobia of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

From the South East are, Iheanyichukwu Nnaji of the Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNP), Nwadike Chikezie Peoples Mandate Party (BMP), and Prof. Peter Nwangwu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). There are only two candidates from the South West. They are Rasheed Shitta-Bey of the platform of Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP) and Dele Momodu of the National Conscience Party (NCP).

There are six from the North and they are Ribadu, Buhari, Mahmud Waziri of the People for Democratic Change (PDC), John Dara of the National Transformation Party (NTP), Shekarau and Yahaya Ndu, African Renaissance Party (ARP). Utomi voluntarily withdrew from the race for Shekarau.

As the alliance was falling to pieces, six presidential candidates; Nwagwu, Nnaji, Akpona, Nwadike, Prince Lawson Igboanugo and Shitta-Bey were queuing up to adopted Jonathan as their consensus candidate. They joined the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), which didn’t pick a presidential candidate but adopted Jonathan from the start. At the last count, the number of parties that have adopted Jonathan and the PDP has risen to over 45.

The question is, which of the 17 candidates will win the polls, initially billed for April 9 but was rescheduled after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the National Assembly polls and subsequently adjusted the election timetable.

Source – The Guardian

POLITICS and grammar

The mendacious characterization and loathly calumniation of BAT, which Rotimi Fasaki is merchandizing with ferocious gusto is, at best, a sour political chicanery calculated to call a dog a bad name in order to hang it! But thank goodness that we have Prof, here who is privy to all these activities to impeach his mendacity. 

This art of political crassitude and lying-through-the-teeth tactics to demonize one's opponent when the tide doesn't favor one in politics, as manifestly exhibited by Rotimi Fasakin, is not uncommon among disgruntled politicians. 

Like both of you have rightly pointed out, if the negotiations have resulted into formation of the planned alliance, "a different song would have been sung". Rotimi's tantrum-throwing expose reminds me of this parable on politics: 

"Your Excellency, are you aware that our Party Chairman is set to contest against you in the election?" "Oh, are you serious...that scummy shameless bastard; is he not afraid of exposure of embezzlement and various hideous shenanigans?

"Oh no, look at you, see what you have made me say about one of the nicest men in our political organization!" And there you have it.

By Yinka Leo Ogundiran in response to the controversy of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Visit to Goodluck Jonathan

DALLAS CUTS JOB OF TWO SECURITY GUARDS

The south entrance to the George Allen civil courthouse on Jackson Street is scheduled to close May 25, officials said due to budget shortfall.

Commissioner Maurine Dickey was the only commissioner to vote against the measure.

Closing the Jackson Street entrance will save the county $52,264 per year by cutting two security guards.

A few more than 1,000 people use the south entrance each day, the county budget office said. They will now have to walk around the building to the main entrance on Commerce Street.

Many county employees like the Jackson Street entrance because it’s across the street from a Subway

restaurant and because it’s hassle-free compared with the main entrance, which handles about 70 percent of the daily traffic and has long lines in the morning.

Judge Marty Lowy of the 101st Civil District Court told commissioners Tuesday he was concerned that closing the back entrance would make long lines in the morning even longer. Lowy said it could add to delays in getting jurors and attorneys inside the building for hearings and trials.

But Commissioner John Wiley Price said the county will add a third security line at the main entrance at peak times during jury weeks.

The Jackson Street entrance will continue to be used for jail visitation at nights and on weekends. The top floors of the courthouse contain a jail that will be used as an overflow facility.

The county is facing a $33 million budget shortfall. So far, $4.8 million in cuts and additional revenue has been proposed.

SOURCE – DALLASNEWS.COM

TAMMAE 2011 - Mothers Appreciation Event by Trendy Africa Magazine

TRENDY AFRICA MAGAZINE MOTHERS APPRECIATION EVENT - TAMMAE 2011

“HONOR THY MOTHER”

Trendy Africa Magazine Mothers Appreciation Event is a concept designed to appreciate, motivate, empower and entertain Mothers in our Community. The event will honor Women who have shown remarkable resilience through today’s global challenges. Highlights will include a raffle draw, Live entertainment, Gift give-aways and the premiere of a unique Head wrap competition.

VENUE: NANDI’S BANQUET HALL, 9205 SKILLMAN STREET, SUITE 100, DALLAS, TX 75243

DATE: 7TH MAY 2011

TIME: 5PM - 8PM (STRICTLY ENFORCED)

PRIZES INCLUDE; 2 FREE ROUND TRIP TICKETS TO LAGOS (excluding taxes and fees donated by ARIK AIR), ITALIAN SHOE AND BAGS (T&k FASHION), DESIGNER PERFUMES (ROYALTY by Tammie Garr), SWISS LACES (Toplen Fashions), AFRICAN FOOD (by Asafo Market) and lots more.

RAFFLE TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

ENJOY THE PREMIERE OF “LE FEMME GELE EXTRAORDINAIRE" an annual Head Wrap pageant/competition powered by Trendy Africa Media.

ENJOY LIVE MUSIC, FASHION SHOW, JOKES, RAFFLE AND LIVE AUCTION.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE!!

CONTACT; 817 538 2145 ,  323 423 4046

MEET SPONSORS OF TAMMAE 2011

ARIK AIR

Arik Air was founded in 2006 and started commercial operations on October 30, 2006 between Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt with three brand new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft becoming the first CRJ900 operator on the African continent and the first airline to introduce new commercial aircraft into Nigeria in over 20 years.

Arik Air is Nigeria’s leading commercial airline. It now operates a fleet of 26 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft including two Airbus A340-500 making the airline the first operator of the wide bodied aircraft in Africa.

The airline currently serves 30 airports across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Cotonou (Benin), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Monrovia (Liberia), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa), New York JFK (USA) and Starting this summer: Angola, Congo, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ivory Coast. ARIK AIR

IGNITE YR STYLE

Ignite is a creative fashion designer with a knack for incorporating rich African fabrics to create contemporary everyday and ready to wear outfits. Her designs will light up the runway at the event. You can reach Feyi; igniteyrstyle@yahoo.com

HONEY DROPS IMAGES

Honeydrops images is a HEX certified makeup artist with specialty in Bridal, Photography, Runway and High Fashion make-up and Head-Tie. They will co-ordinate the fashion shows and provide the leading head wraps for the premiere of the “gele” pageant. Reach Oyinkan on; 214 458 3777

LOI GRAPHICS

LOI GRAPHIC DESIGN COMPANY ENSURES THAT YOUR GRAPHIC NEEDS ARE MET. Contact LOI Graphics - 972 352 8166 for: CUSTOMIZED GRAPHICS, PHOTOGRAPHY, INVITATIONS, BOOK ALBUMS, ADS, T-SHIRTS, LOGOS, BUSINESS CARDS, FLIERS, BROCHURES, POSTERS, MENUS, BOOKMARKS, BOOKLETS, BANNERS, CALENDARS, CATALOG, CD PACKAGE, NOTEPADS, GREETING CARDS, DVD PACKAGE, ENVELOPES, LETTERHEAD, POSTCARD, STICKERS, BANNERS, PROMOTIONAL ITEMS, AND MUCH MORE! (Contract and Package deals available)PHOTO RETOUCH, PHOTO COLORIZATION, PHOTOGRAPHY, PHOTO ENHANCEMENT, CHANGING PHOTOS INTO PAINTINGS/PENCIL ART, AND MUCH MORE!

T & K FASHIONS

T&k FASHIONS is the foremost designer fashion house in Dallas with specialty is sewing classy outfits for Women. T&K also stocks Men’s designer apparels, special lace materials, Head ties (gele), Italian shoes, Italian bags, custom jewelry and more. Contact; 469 499 4432 for inquiries.

DSOL MEDIA

Dsol media specializes in event photography and visual productions. They have consulted for Trendy Africa and would be the official photographers for the event. Contact ; 682 521 3775

ADETIBA PRODUCTIONS

Adetiba Super-Director is a seasoned audio visual specialist that has produced videos and documentaries while incorporating the best equipments in the industry. Victor Adetiba currently produces and telecasts a business teaching session; Business Consigliere. They will document the event on film. For contact; 469 682 3334

TOPLEN FASHIONS

Toplen Fashions has traded in Lace Materials and Jewelries serving clients across the United States. She was one of the pioneers of online custom jewelry trading enabling clients to view and purchase goods promptly. The fashion house will provide top quality lace materials towards the event.TOPLENFASHIONS.COM Contact; 682 552 2615

NANDI’S BANQUET HALL AND EVENT CENTER

Let Nandi’s Banquet Hall be the location of your dream event. It features 4500 sq ft. with a bar area and outdoor patio. They are centrally located right off 635 & Skillman, minutes away from Plano, and Richardson in Dallas. For more info call 214 438-7814 or 972 339-8481

ROYAL BALLOONS AND CATERING SERVICES

They specialize in cakes for all events, snacks and pastries. Other services include event decorations and head wrap tying. Royal balloons and catering services is the official cake provider for the event. Contact; Yinka - 817 386 9454

ROYALTY fragrance by Tammie Garr supports TAMMAE 2011

Tammie Garr is a Liberian Born international model, humanitarian, Beauty Queen Miss Liberia 06/07 and entrepreneur. In 2010, she partnered with international perfumer; Parfumologie to launch a high end luxury fragrance – ROYALTY by Tammie Garr. Royalty can be found in Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Panama city and San Diego.

www.tammiegarrfragrances.com

MEDIASIFY

MEDIASIFY has consulted with Trendy Africa Media to upgrade and impliment a 21st century cyber ready marketing platform. Mediasify’s mission is to provide an intensified and people focused media marketing plan for small businesses while driving value and keeping it cost effective. For more info, contact; 8178419123 or email:sales@mediasify.com

EBONY D’EVA BANKOLE-LAOYE

Ebony will be performing live at TAMMAE 2011. She has performed with the likes of Lagbaja and Francis Kuboye. Her music career dates back to 1987. She is currently working on releasing a new CD and would render songs from her classic collection. For bookings, call 4696823944

AYUBA KAMAU DANCE GROUP

The Ayuba Kamau Kings and Queens is a performing arts and youth empowerment organization focused on the education and preservation of African culture. The group will energize the event with its dance sessions and great choreographic arts. For contact, Call Baba Kwasi - 8178008444

TASTE OF AFRICA AND AMERICA CUISINE

Taste of Africa and America Cuisine offers extraordinary design, taste and service for all types of events including weddings, meetings, church or corporate. Attend TAMMAE 2011 and savor rich canapes from the stable of “Taste of Africa and America Cuisine”. For contact; Akin - 3172025774

Golf Tourney Scam in the USA

A man with a leather jacket and long blondish hair walked into Southern Oaks Golf Club and slapped down a check for about $3,500. He wanted to book a Saturday golf tournament and said he would bring in a busload of 80 or more people for a charity fundraiser.

The club reserved space for the event, but the check bounced and the bus never showed up, said Mark Billings, associate pro at Southern Oaks in Burleson.

"We definitely lost business because of that guy," Billings said.

That wasn't the only area golf club targeted by a man police have accused of felony theft. John Mark Moyers, 50, of Waxahachie is said to have engineered at least a dozen similar scams across Texas and Arkansas involving up to $70,000, according to the Parker County Sheriff's Department.

Moyers, who is in the Parker County Jail, declined requests for an interview, a jail official said Wednesday.

In Parker and surrounding areas, Weatherford-Parker County Special Crimes Unit members said they had evidence that Moyers scammed local businesses out of thousands of dollars for fake golf tournaments, food drives and charity fundraisers. Police say he would solicit entry fees, donations, gift cards, door prizes and other valuables from area businesses but would skip town before the events were to take place. He kept the food donations for himself, they said.

At Southern Oaks, Moyers hung out and had a few of his friends play free rounds of golf while he conducted a raffle, Billings said. The golf club lost as much as $1,500 in revenue after it reserved the spots for Moyers.

At Canyon West Golf Club in Weatherford, Moyers told golf club owners that he was collecting canned food and cash to benefit area charities and food banks, a golf club employee said. He signed a contract to draw in golfers and booked five hours of golf on a Saturday afternoon. The tournament was set for late March.

But a few days before the tournament, the golf club got a call from a Little Rock man, the employee said. The man had bought a couple of player spots and a hole sponsorship for a tournament that Moyers promoted in Little Rock but that never took place, said the employee, who spoke on the condition that he not be identified.

"He asked if we were having a tournament for this guy, and we said, 'Yes.' And he said: 'You're about to be scammed,'" the employee said.

Some golfers who had paid Moyers an entry fee for golfing that day showed up, and the club allowed them to participate for free, Canyon West officials said Monday.

Apparently, investigators were able to locate Moyers because he hadn't changed his phone number in his fliers and advertisements.

He would list his cellphone number in fliers distributed around the towns where he promoted tournaments. He did not answer calls, golf club officials said. Instead, they say, he responded to the phone messages of prospective donors and golfers, accepting their money and donations with promises that he would make arrangements with the golfing businesses.

The Arkansas man notified Canyon West employees after he Googled Moyers' cellphone number and noticed the event Moyers was holding at Canyon West, said Stan Mickle, general manager of Canyon West.

"He meets you and takes your cash and leaves the day before the tournament," Mickle said.

Moyers was said to have "worked" the area for 45 days, Mickle said. The Canyon West event was one of almost 20 fake tournaments that Moyers had organized, according to Mickle.

Mickle said it was a sad situation for golf patrons and local businesses.

"These things are very unfortunate because so many of us go in with good intentions to help the charity," Mickle said. "It's a shame that these people try to take advantage of the people who are the most vulnerable. You mention charity and mention food drive, and that's a soft spot in everybody's heart.

"You tie that with golf time, and everybody comes out and enjoys fellowship and helping a better cause."

About two years ago, Moyers was convicted of theft of property in Georgetown, according to the county clerk. The stolen property was believed to have been valued at $50 to $500, records show. Other information on the case wasn't available.

Source: Weatherford Telegram