The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has apprehended a syndicate specialised in cloning of certified made in Nigeria cables in Lagos. A statement from the office of the Director General, Mr. Osita Aboloma, said  that the syndicate was located at 5, Collins Street Opposite Akapo Street in Ojo Alaba Area of Lagos.
According to the statement, 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 specialises in importing unregistered and substandard cable brands like Verginity, New Age and Sunrise which are then rerolled, rebranded and repackaged as certified made in Nigeria cable brands for sale to unsuspecting consumers, it said.
 It added that about 2,647 bags of cables waiting to be cloned, 22 bags, five cartons and 270coils 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 the Police with investigations.
The implications of the syndicates’ activities, according to the statement, would include inadvertent purchase and use of substandard cables by unsuspecting consumers; de-marketing  of certified made in Nigeria cables as a result; loss in sales and revenue by genuine local manufacturers of cables; reduction in capacity utilization and attendant job losses
The SON DG 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.
