SON ARRAIGNS 2 CHINESE NATIONALS IN ABUJA FOR PRODUCT CLONING

Two Nationals of the Peoples Republic of China have been arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja for engaging in cloning of Nigerian cables by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

The suspects Zhong Li Xin and Zhong Guomin were arraigned before the presiding Judge, Justice Sadiq Umar on two count charges of printing and pasting of ABB marks on their products cable products Chiko and Toyou thereby committing offences punishable under section 374 and 378 of the penal code, law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

After the charges were read, Legal Counsel for the defendants, Mr. Ameachi Monagoro pleaded for a fair trial claiming that the defendants do not understand the English language.

Justice Sadiq Umar then advised both the Prosecuting and Defence Counsels to liaise in seeking the services of an interpreter for the Defendants and as a result adjourned the case to the second week of January, 2018.

Speaking to Newsmen after the proceedings, leading Prosecuting Counsel, Mr. Joseph Adeleke Olofindare said the Court proceedings was part of the agency’s determination to put effect to the provisions of the SON Act 14 of 2015. The act according to him provides for the prosecution of standards infractions including counterfeiting, production, importation and sale of substandard products.

He reiterated SON’s commitment under the leadership of the Director General, Mr. Osita Aboloma to ensure that offenders against the provisions of the act face the full weight of the law to serve as deterrent for purveyors of substandard products in any form.

Mr. Olofindare stated that the suspects are liable to three years imprisonment on conviction.