CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID Annex Alagbon, Lagos, has confirmed that it is investigating allegations of conspiracy and criminal counterfeiting involving a cosmetic product, Baby Secret Cream.
This was disclosed by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of FCID Annex Alagbon, AIG Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, during a press conference held at the command headquarters.
According to AIG Akpanudom, the investigation commenced after Flawless Cosmetics Limited submitted a formal petition to the Department. The company alleged illegal importation and the production of fake versions of its trademarked product, Baby Secret Cream, and requested Police intervention.
The AIG said operatives traced the matter to a warehouse at Shop 30, Sambisa Area, Balogun Trade Fair Market, Lagos. The facility had earlier been identified and marked by investigators in connection with the alleged counterfeit trade.
He stated that before enforcement officers could act, the warehouse was allegedly accessed without authorization and a large quantity of products believed to be linked to the case was removed from the premises. The Department described the act as unlawful interference with an active investigation.
In a follow-up operation within the Trade Fair Market area, FCID teams recovered three hundred and thirty-one cartons of cosmetics bearing the Baby Secret Cream brand. AIG Akpanudom said the items are alleged to be counterfeit copies of the genuine product and have been secured as exhibits pending verification.
The Department added that trademark authentication and forensic examinations will be carried out to confirm the status of the goods, in line with established investigative procedures.
AIG Akpanudom also disclosed that some individuals found with the suspected products were arrested during the operation. He described them as traders who may have been unaware of the source of the items. The AIG said the persons are cooperating with investigators and are assisting to locate other storage locations and supply routes.
Flawless Cosmetics has maintained that counterfeiting of Baby Secret Cream endangers consumers and damages the integrity of its brand. The company said it will continue to work with law enforcement to protect intellectual property and public health.
The FCID boss said the case is being handled under relevant provisions on conspiracy, trademark infringement, and the sale or distribution of counterfeit goods. He noted that no charges have been filed yet as inquiries remain ongoing.
AIG Akpanudom urged the public to purchase cosmetics only from authorized distributors and to verify authenticity before use. He also advised retailers to confirm the source of their stock to avoid dealing in alleged counterfeit items.
He reaffirmed FCID Alagbon’s commitment to tackling intellectual property crimes and protecting consumers from unsafe or substandard products in the market. The Department said further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
