By Odita Sunday
The Ogun State Police Command has secured the conviction of Samson Okonkwo over the possession and fraudulent sale of counterfeit electrical cables bearing the Coleman brand, in a case involving 317 coils of cables tendered as exhibits before a court.
The judgment was delivered on September 24 2026, by His Worship O. P. Mobee at the Magistrate Court sitting in the Ojodu Abiodun Magisterial District of Ogun State.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babas e yi, the convict and other defendants currently at large were arraigned on April 10, 2025, in Charge No. MOJ/138C/2025.
The defendants faced 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 April 9, 2025, in Akute, Ogun State.
At the conclusion of the trial, the court found Okonkwo guilty and convicted him under Section 3(3)(b) of the Merchandise Marks Act.
The prosecution presented evidence in support of the charges, while 317 coils of electrical cables bearing allegedly counterfeit Coleman packaging were tendered and admitted as exhibits.
The conviction highlights concerns over the circulation of counterfeit electrical products, which can expose consumers to safety risks while undermining legitimate manufacturers and businesses.
Substandard electrical cables can increase the risk of electrical faults, fires and electrocution, particularly where products fail to meet the required safety standards.
Reacting to the judgment, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the investigators and prosecution team for pursuing the case to its conclusion.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to investigating suspected counterfeiting offences and pursuing prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.
He also called for stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies, manufacturers, regulatory authorities and members of the public to identify counterfeit products and protect consumers from potentially dangerous goods.
The police urged residents to exercise caution when purchasing electrical products and report suspected counterfeit goods through appropriate channels.
The Command said it would sustain efforts to protect lives and property, uphold the rule of law and combat economic crime across Ogun State.
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