A Magistrate Court in Ogun State has jailed Samson Okonkwo, following a successful prosecution by the Ogun State Police Command over his role in a dangerous counterfeit electrical cable syndicate.
Okonkwo was convicted and sentenced by His Worship O. P. Mobee at the Ojodu Abiodun Magisterial District Court after being found guilty of producing, packaging, and selling hundreds of substandard electrical cables fraudulently branded under the trusted Coleman name—marking a major victory in the fight against fake products.
The police spokesman, Officer in the State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that Okonkwo and several accomplices—who remain at large—operated an illegal counterfeiting scheme in the Akute area of Ogun State between January 24 and April 9, 2025.
The syndicate specialized in manufacturing, packaging, and selling fake electrical cables using the trusted brand of Coleman Technical Industries Limited.
Following their initial arraignment on April 10, 2025, under Charge No. MOJ/138C/2025, Okonkwo was tried on four counts bordering on conspiracy, forgery, unlawful possession, and the fraudulent sale of counterfeit electrical cables.
During the trial, police prosecutors presented overwhelming physical evidence to seal the conviction, tendering 317 coils of electrical cables bearing fake Coleman packaging, all of which were admitted as court exhibits.
Upon evaluating the evidence, the Magistrate found Samson Okonkwo guilty and sentenced him pursuant to Section 3(3)(b) of the Merchandise Marks Act.
Law enforcement authorities emphasized that the conviction underscores the critical importance of combating counterfeiting, protecting legitimate businesses, and safeguarding consumers against hazardous products.
Substandard electrical cables are a leading cause of electrical faults, devastating structural fires, and electrocution, posing severe threats to lives and property.
Reacting to the ruling, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the investigators and prosecution team for their diligence in pursuing the case to a logical conclusion.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to investigating fake product syndicates and ensuring offenders face the full weight of the law.
CP Ojajuni also called for sustained cooperation among law enforcement, manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and the public, while urging consumers to exercise caution when purchasing electrical items and report suspected counterfeit goods immediately.
