Ogun State Magistrate Court: Samson Okonkwo Convicted for Coleman Counterfeiting

• Samson Okonkwo was convicted in Ogun State for counterfeiting Coleman brand electrical cables.
• The judgment was delivered on September 24, 2026, by Magistrate O. P. Mobee in the Ojodu Abiodun Magisterial District.
• Okonkwo faced charges including conspiracy, forgery, unlawful possession, and fraudulent sale of counterfeit cables belonging to Coleman Technical Industries Limited.
• His conviction was secured pursuant to Section 3(3)(b) of the Merchandise Marks Act.
• Police authorities emphasized the importance of combating counterfeiting to protect consumers from hazardous products and support legitimate businesses.

This conviction serves as a crucial legal precedent in Nigeria's ongoing fight against product counterfeiting, particularly for goods with significant public safety implications.

An Ogun State Magistrate Court has delivered a significant judgment, convicting Samson Okonkwo for his involvement in the counterfeiting of electrical cables bearing the widely recognized Coleman brand. The verdict was handed down on September 24, 2026, by Magistrate O. P. Mobee at the Magistrate Court located within the Ojodu Abiodun Magisterial District of Ogun State. This conviction marks a notable enforcement action against product counterfeiting in the region.

Okonkwo, alongside other defendants who remain at large, was initially arraigned on April 10, 2025. The charges, outlined in Charge No. MOJ/138C/2025, encompassed four distinct counts: conspiracy, forgery, unlawful possession, and the fraudulent sale of counterfeit electrical cables specifically belonging to Coleman Technical Industries Limited. The alleged criminal activities transpired between January 24 and April 9, 2025, within the Akute area of Ogun State. During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including 317 coils of electrical cables that bore allegedly counterfeit Coleman packaging, which were admitted as exhibits by the court. The details of this case were made public through a statement issued by DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command.

The legal basis for Samson Okonkwo's conviction stems from Section 3(3)(b) of the Merchandise Marks Act, under which he was found guilty and sentenced. This specific provision underscores the legal framework in Nigeria designed to combat the fraudulent misrepresentation of goods and protect intellectual property rights. The successful prosecution highlights the Ogun State Police Command's commitment to upholding these laws and ensuring accountability for those who engage in illicit manufacturing and distribution.

Following the judgment, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni publicly commended the diligent efforts of both the investigative and prosecution teams involved in bringing the case to a successful conclusion. CP Ojajuni reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to thoroughly investigate all suspected counterfeiting offenses and to pursue lawful prosecution whenever sufficient evidence is gathered. Furthermore, the Commissioner emphasized the critical need for sustained cooperation among various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, legitimate manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and the general public, to effectively identify counterfeit products, protect consumers, and ensure that offenders are brought before the appropriate judicial bodies.

This conviction serves as a crucial legal precedent in Nigeria's ongoing fight against product counterfeiting, particularly for goods with significant public safety implications. The presence of substandard electrical cables in the market poses severe risks, including an increased likelihood of electrical faults, devastating fires, and potentially fatal electrocution incidents, thereby endangering both lives and property. The enforcement action against Ogun Samson Okonkwo Coleman counterfeiting directly addresses these dangers by removing fraudulent products from circulation.

Beyond public safety, the case also underscores the importance of protecting legitimate businesses, such as Coleman Technical Industries Limited, from the economic harm and reputational damage inflicted by counterfeiters. The Ogun State Police Command utilized this opportunity to issue a public advisory, urging consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing electrical products and to promptly report any suspected counterfeit goods through established official channels. This proactive stance reinforces the Command's dedication to safeguarding lives, protecting property, upholding the rule of law, and combating economic crimes across the state.

This conviction signals increased enforcement against product counterfeiting in Nigeria, particularly for goods with public safety implications. Lawyers should advise clients, especially manufacturers and retailers, to strengthen supply chain due diligence and intellectual property protection strategies to avoid similar liabilities and ensure compliance with the Merchandise Marks Act.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH newspaper