By Seun Ibiyemi
The Ogun State Police Command has secured the conviction of Samson Okonkwo for offences involving counterfeit electrical cables bearing the Coleman brand, following a trial at the Magistrate Court in the Ojodu Abiodun Magisterial District.
The judgment was delivered on September 24, 2026, by His Worship O. P. Mobee.
According to a statement issued on Monday, October 26, by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babas eyi, Okonkwo and other defendants, who are currently at large, were arraigned on April 10, 2025, in Charge No. MOJ/138C/2025.
The four-count charge bordered on conspiracy, forgery, unlawful possession and the fraudulent sale of counterfeit electrical cables belonging to Coleman Technical Industries Limited.
The offences were allegedly committed between January 24 and April 9, 2025, in Akute, Ogun State.
At the conclusion of the trial, the court found Okonkwo guilty after the prosecution presented evidence in support of the charges.
The prosecution also tendered 317 coils of electrical cables bearing allegedly counterfeit Coleman packaging, which were admitted as exhibits during the proceedings.
The court convicted and sentenced the defendant pursuant to Section 3(3)(b) of the Merchandise Marks Act.
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Reacting to the judgment, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the investigators and prosecution team for their efforts in 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 sustained collaboration 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 courts.
The police commissioner warned that substandard electrical cables could expose consumers to electrical faults, fires and electrocution, endangering lives and property.
The Command consequently urged residents to exercise caution when purchasing electrical products and report suspected counterfeit goods through appropriate channels.
It reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law and combating economic crimes across Ogun State.
