The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Lagos has arrested five individuals, including two Chinese nationals, for allegedly producing counterfeit versions of popular global shoe brands such as Gucci, Nike, Timberland, Louis Vuitton, and Adidas in Ogun State.
According to PSFU spokesperson DSP Ovie Ewhubare, the arrests followed an investigation into the operations of Meibalun International Nigeria Ltd, located in Sagamu, Ogun State. The company, which claimed to manufacture Nigerian-made footwear, was reportedly found producing and selling shoes falsely bearing the trademarks of major international brands without proper authorization.
Ewhubare revealed that further inquiries by the unit’s Stock Capital Market Fraud Section uncovered suspicious financial transactions associated with the company. Customer payments were allegedly diverted into private accounts instead of the company’s official corporate account, prompting investigators to trace the flow and use of these funds.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted that selling shoes with foreign brand names attracted more customers and higher sales than marketing them as locally made products.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Eloho Okpoziakpo, reiterated the PSFU’s commitment to fighting financial crimes beyond traditional banking and investment fraud. He emphasized that the unit will also address crimes that threaten the business environment, economic stability, and intellectual property rights.
Ewhubare assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and in line with due process, and that all individuals found responsible would be prosecuted accordingly.
