By Victoria Yakubu
The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, has uncovered a factory producing counterfeit footwear bearing the names and trademarks of international brands in Makun, Sagamu, Ogun State.
Five suspects, including two Chinese nationals, have been linked to the alleged counterfeiting operation, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the PSFU Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ovie Ewhubare.
The suspects were identified as Ojeleye Esther, Olulenu Adebola, Adewunmi Titilayo, Zhu Hai Chen and Zhou Hai Fen.
Police investigations reportedly revealed that Meibalun International Nigeria Limited, which presented itself as a manufacturer of Nigerian-made footwear, was producing and selling shoes bearing the names and trademarks of international brands, including Gucci, Nike, Timberland, Louis Vuitton and Adidas, without authorisation from the respective trademark owners.
Further investigations by the Unit’s Stock Capital Market Fraud Section also uncovered questionable financial transactions linked to the company’s operations.
According to the statement, payments made by customers were allegedly diverted into private bank accounts rather than the company’s designated corporate account. The police subsequently began tracing the funds to establish their ownership, movement and use.
The suspects reportedly admitted that using the names of foreign brands attracted more customers and generated higher sales than marketing the products under Nigerian-made branding.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, PSFU, Eloho Okpoziakpo, said the Unit’s mandate extended beyond conventional banking and investment fraud to include commercial activities capable of undermining the integrity of the financial and business environment.
He cited economic sabotage and copyright infringement as areas requiring police attention, stressing that such illegal activities would not be overlooked because they fell outside conventional financial crimes.
Okpoziakpo assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and in accordance with due process, adding that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
