SON nabs syndicate cloning Nigerian cables

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has nabbed a syndicate that specialised in cloning of certified made in Nigeria cables in Lagos.

A statement from the office of the Director General, Mr. Osita Aboloma, disclosed that the syndicate was located at 5, Collins Street Opposite Akapo Street in Ojo Alaba area of Lagos.

The statement said the successful operation was carried out by a combined team of the Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police attached to SON, operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Lagos and officials of SON Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate.

The syndicate specialized in importing unregistered and substandard cable brands like Verginity, New Age and Sunrise which were then re-rolled, rebranded and repackaged as certified made in Nigeria cable brands and sold to unsuspecting consumers, it said.

The statement disclosed that about 2,647 bags of cables waiting to be cloned, 22 bags, 5 cartons and 270 coils of already cloned cables and two re-rolling and rebranding equipment were evacuated from the premises.

Two culprits caught in the process of cloning the certified made in Nigeria cables were arrested at the scene and are helping police investigation.

The SON director general urged Nigerians to continue to provide useful information to assist regulatory agencies serve them better in the overall interest of the nation and its people.

“The suspects will be prosecuted in line with the provisions of the SON Act 14 of 2015 on conclusion of investigation,” the statement added.