An Ogun State Magistrate Court has convicted Samson Okonkwo for offences relating to the possession and fraudulent sale of 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 of Ogun State.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that Okonkwo and other defendants, who are currently at large, were arraigned on April 10, 2025.
According to him, the defendants faced four counts bordering on conspiracy, forgery, unlawful possession and the fraudulent sale of counterfeit electrical cables belonging to Coleman Technical Industries Limited.
Babaseyi said the offences allegedly occurred between January 24 and April 9, 2025, in Akute, Ogun State.
He stated, “At the conclusion of the trial, the court found Samson Okonkwo guilty. 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 police spokesperson added that the court convicted Okonkwo under Section 3(3)(b) of the Merchandise Marks Act.
He warned that counterfeit electrical products could endanger consumers, noting that substandard cables increase the risk of electrical faults, fires and electrocution.
“The conviction underscores the importance of law enforcement in combating counterfeiting, protecting legitimate businesses and safeguarding consumers against potentially hazardous electrical products,” Babaseyi said.
Reacting to the judgment, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised the investigators and prosecution team for their role in securing the conviction.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to investigating suspected counterfeiting offences and prosecuting suspects where sufficient evidence is available.
He also urged law enforcement agencies, manufacturers, regulatory authorities and members of the public to collaborate in identifying counterfeit goods and protecting consumers.
The police command advised residents to exercise caution when purchasing electrical products and report suspected counterfeit items through appropriate channels.
