Ogun Man Jailed For Counterfeiting Coleman Cables

A Magistrate Court in Ogun State has sentenced a businessman, Samson Okonkwo, to imprisonment with hard labour without an option of fine after convicting him of offences involving counterfeit electrical cables bearing the Coleman brand.

The judgment was delivered on September 24, 2026, by Magistrate O. P. Mobee at the Magistrate Court in the Ojodu Abiodun Magisterial District.

The Ogun State Police Command disclosed the conviction on Monday, October 26, saying the case involved the possession and fraudulent sale of counterfeit products belonging to Coleman Technical Industries Limited.

According to the police, Okonkwo and other defendants, who are currently at large, were arraigned on April 10, 2025, on four counts bordering on conspiracy, forgery, unlawful possession and the fraudulent sale of counterfeit electrical cables.

The alleged offences were committed between January 24 and April 9, 2025, in Akute, Ogun State.

During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence in support of the charges, including 317 coils of electrical cables bearing packaging and labels purportedly associated with Coleman. The exhibits were admitted by the court as part of the proceedings.

The court found Okonkwo guilty at the conclusion of the trial and convicted him under Section 3(3)(b) of the Merchandise Marks Act.

The police did not disclose the precise length of the prison term in their announcement.

Reacting to the judgment, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the investigators and prosecution team for pursuing the case to its conclusion.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to investigating counterfeiting offences and prosecuting suspects where sufficient evidence exists.

The commissioner also called for sustained cooperation among law enforcement agencies, manufacturers, regulatory authorities and members of the public to identify counterfeit products and protect consumers.

Counterfeit and substandard electrical cables can pose serious safety hazards because they may not meet required specifications for conductivity, insulation and fire resistance. Such deficiencies can contribute to overheating, electrical faults, fires and electrocution.

The police urged residents to exercise caution when purchasing electrical products and to report suspected counterfeit goods through appropriate channels.

The conviction comes amid calls from manufacturers for stronger enforcement against cable counterfeiting, with industry stakeholders warning that the trade threatens consumers, legitimate businesses and public safety.