Lagos businessmen busted in Colman Cable scam, remanded in Ikoyi

By Paul Iyoghojie

In a dramatic twist of events, two Lagos Island businessmen, Ikenna Ibezim, 24, and Ifeanyi Okezie, 20, have landed in hot water after being accused of running a high-stakes operation to adulterate Colman wires and cables.

The duo was nabbed by operatives of the Zone 2 Command, Lagos, following a damning petition from the product’s original owner, who accused them of flooding the market with inferior, tampered products disguised as genuine.

The counterfeit operation, police say, not only deceived unsuspecting buyers but also posed a serious threat to public safety while undermining the brand’s reputation.

The game was up on 19 March 2025, when the complainant uncovered the alleged fraud and escalated the matter to Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade.

Acting on the directive of the AIG, a crack police squad stormed the suspects’ operational bases at 29 Idolowo Market and 4 Sagbemi Street, Lagos Island, where the accused were apprehended.

After a thorough investigation led by ASP Akin Akinwoola, the suspects were arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Tinubu, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and product adulteration—offences punishable under Sections 411 and 160(a) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Though the accused pleaded not guilty, the presiding Magistrate ordered their remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until they met their bail conditions.

The case has been adjourned for further hearing, as authorities continue to clamp down on economic sabotage and counterfeit trade in the state.