Trader Jailed 15 Days with Hard Labour for Selling Fake Electric Cables
The Ogun State Police Command has secured the conviction of one Samson Okonkwo in a case involving the sale of counterfeit electrical cables bearing the Coleman brand.
His Worship O. P. Mobee of the Magistrate Court sitting in the Ojodu Abiodun Magisterial District, Ogun State, delivered the judgement following the arraignment of Okonkowo on a four-count charge.
The Certified True Copy of the judgement delivered on September 24, 2026, indicates that the police arraigned the convict and other defendants currently at large on April 10, 2025 in Charge No. MOJ/138C/2025 on four counts bordering on conspiracy, forgery, unlawful possession and fraudulent sale of counterfeit electrical cables belonging to Coleman Technical Industries Limited. The alleged offences were committed between January 24 and 9 April 2025 in Akute, Ogun State.
At the conclusion of the trial, the court found Samson Okonkwo guilty based on the evidence presented by the prosecution, including 317 coils of counterfeit electrical cables bearing Coleman packaging. The court convicted and sentenced the defendant pursuant to Section 3(3)(b) of the Merchandise Marks Act.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Ogun State Police Command noted that the conviction underscored the importance of law enforcement in combating counterfeiting, protecting legitimate businesses and safeguarding consumers against potentially hazardous electrical products.
"Substandard electrical cables can increase the risk of electrical faults, fires and electrocution, posing serious threats to lives and property."
The PPRO quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended detectives who led the investigation and the prosecution team for their efforts in pursuing the case to its conclusion. "He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to investigate suspected counterfeiting offences and pursue lawful prosecution where sufficient evidence exists."
He said CP Ojajuni also called for sustained cooperation among law enforcement agencies, manufacturers, regulatory authorities and members of the public to identify counterfeit products, protect consumers and ensure that suspected offenders are brought before the appropriate courts.
"The Ogun State Police Command urges members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing electrical products and report suspected counterfeit goods through appropriate channels" it concluded.