Counterfeit Gucci, Nike Labels Boosted Footwear Sales, Suspects Tell Police

Suspects arrested over the alleged production of counterfeit footwear in Ogun State told investigators that fake foreign brand names helped their company attract more customers and increase sales.

The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. The unit said it was investigating Meibalun International Nigeria Limited, which allegedly produced and marketed footwear bearing international trademarks without authorisation.

Police identified the suspects as Ojeleye Esther, Olulenu Adebola, Adewunmi Titilayo and two Chinese nationals, Zhu Hai Chen and Zhou Hai Fen.According to the police, the company presented itself as a Nigerian footwear manufacturer.

However, investigators allegedly found shoes bearing the names and trademarks of Gucci, Nike, Timberland, Louis Vuitton, Adidas and other international brands.The factory is located in Makun, Sagamu, where the alleged production took place.

The suspects reportedly admitted that imitated foreign brand names generated more sales and market patronage than Nigerian-made branding.The police said the admission strengthened the investigation and highlighted the commercial structure behind the alleged operation.

Further inquiries by the unit’s Stock Capital Market Fraud Section also uncovered questionable financial practices within the company, the statement said.Investigators alleged that the company diverted customers’ payments into private bank accounts instead of its designated corporate account.

The unit said it had begun tracing the funds to establish who owned the accounts, how the money moved and how the proceeds were used.

The Commissioner of Police, PSFU, Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, said the unit’s responsibility covered more than conventional banking and investment fraud. He explained that its mandate also included commercial practices capable of undermining confidence in the financial and business environment.

Okpoziakpo assured the public that officers would handle the investigation professionally and in line with due process. He added that anyone found culpable would face justice.The unit said the investigation remains ongoing.

Emiabata Deborah Oluwabusiolami

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