A 51-year-old man, Walter Okafor, has been arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly forging and selling counterfeit branded condom packs belonging to a private Nigerian company.
The defendant, whose residential address was not disclosed, was brought before Magistrate Lafeef A. Owolabi on Thursday. He faces two-count charges bordering on conspiracy and forgery in connection with the illegal reproduction of “Kiss” condoms, a product trademarked under TK2 International Nigeria Limited.
According to the police prosecutor, Supol Josephine Ikhayere, the illegal activity reportedly occurred in December 2023 at the popular Idumota market in Lagos Island. The prosecution stated that Okafor, along with others still at large, reproduced both small and large-sized packs of the condom brand without the knowledge, consent, or authorization of the trademark owners.
Supol Ikhayere emphasized that the counterfeit packaging could pose serious public health risks and damage to brand reputation, in addition to being a criminal offense under the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
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Section 363 of the law, which addresses document and packaging forgery, prescribes a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment. Section 412, dealing with conspiracy, also carries severe legal consequences.
Magistrate Owolabi granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with the condition that two reliable sureties must be provided, each with verifiable identification. The court further stated that the sureties must be gainfully employed and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The matter was adjourned until July 1, 2025, for further mention.
This case has stirred concern among local business owners and consumers alike, highlighting the growing threat of counterfeit goods in Nigeria’s commercial hubs and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of intellectual property rights.
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