Acting on the directive of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), a special task force of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has raided multiple locations in Lagos and Ogun States, leading to the arrest of suspects allegedly involved in the adulteration and counterfeiting of electrical cables.
The coordinated operation targeted illegal operations at 29 Idolowo Market and 4 Sagbemi Street on Lagos Island, as well as Akute in Ogun State, Alaba, Oshodi, and other areas in Lagos. The raids were part of ongoing efforts to sanitize markets and eliminate the sale of substandard wires.
Following an investigation led by ASP Akin Akinwoola, the suspects were arraigned over the weekend before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court. Of those charged, three suspects from Lagos Island failed to meet their bail conditions and were remanded in prison custody. Meanwhile, nine others, who had been granted bail, returned from home to face trial.
The case has been adjourned to May 12 and May 23, 2025, for continued hearing, with the Lagos Island and Alaba markets under close scrutiny.
Commending the police effort, Mr. George Onafowokan, Managing Director of Coleman Wires and Cables Industries Limited, praised the AIG, Adegoke Fayoade, and his team for their diligence. He emphasized the urgent need to eradicate cable counterfeiting, which he warned could destroy the local wires and cables industry.
“Many of the arrested individuals, identified as young Nigerians from a specific region, were reportedly using the Coleman brand to market substandard products, posing significant risks to consumers and harming the company’s reputation.”
Onafowokan also called on the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to intensify efforts to combat counterfeit products in the market. He urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies to help protect both the economy and public safety.
Images from the police operation revealed the extent of damage caused by the counterfeit products, highlighting the scale of the problem.
The legal proceedings continue, as authorities remain vigilant in their crackdown on cable adulteration.
The management of Coleman commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for his efforts in combating the adulteration of cables in Nigeria.
