The Nigeria Police Force has arrested several suspects for allegedly producing and selling fake electrical cables in Lagos and Ogun states. The arrests followed a series of coordinated raids on markets and shops where substandard electrical cables were being sold to unsuspecting Nigerians.
In a statement released by the police, the raids were carried out by a special task force set up by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade. The operation was led by ASP Akin Akinwoola, who coordinated the clampdown on suspected counterfeiters across multiple locations. The areas covered include 29 Idolowo Market, 4 Sagbemi Street on Lagos Island, Akute in Ogun State, Alaba, Oshodi, and other parts of Lagos.
The raids were in response to growing complaints about the increase in fake and substandard cables in the market, which pose serious safety risks such as fire outbreaks and electrical faults in homes and businesses. During the operation, several suspects were caught in the act of selling cables branded with popular names but containing poor-quality materials.
According to the police, the suspects were quickly arraigned before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court over the weekend. Three suspects arrested at Lagos Island were unable to meet their bail conditions and have been remanded in prison custody. Nine others who were earlier granted bail returned to court to continue their trial.
The court has adjourned the case to May 12 and May 23, 2025, for further hearing. Police say investigations are still ongoing, and more arrests could be made as the crackdown continues.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Coleman Wires and Cables Industries Limited, Mr. George Onafowokan, has praised the police for taking swift action against the counterfeiters. He said the operation is a major step toward protecting Nigeria’s cable and wire industry from total collapse.
Onafowokan explained that the suspects were using the well-known Coleman brand to sell fake cables, which not only damages the company’s image but also puts lives and properties at risk. He said many of the arrested suspects are young Nigerians from a particular region, although he did not mention the region by name.
“These fake cables are very dangerous. People buy them thinking they are genuine, but they are not. They can cause electrical faults and even fires. It is a serious threat to safety,” he said.
He also called on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to increase their enforcement efforts and not allow counterfeiters to operate freely in the markets. He encouraged Nigerians to report any suspicious activity related to fake electrical products to the nearest police station.
Onafowokan also thanked the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his support in the ongoing efforts to clean up the cable market and protect Nigerian consumers.
The police said the affected markets are now under close watch, and more operations will be carried out in the coming weeks to ensure that those who deal in fake electrical products are brought to justice.
As the country continues to battle with economic challenges, the issue of fake products—especially in critical sectors like electricity—remains a major concern for both authorities and the general public. The police have promised to keep up the pressure until the sale of substandard electrical cables is completely stopped.
