Quick Summary:
LagosFraudCase2025 as Osaibovo Charles receives a 50-year prison sentence for defrauding a woman of £15,000 after impersonating actor Fredrick Leonard and running a fake movie scheme.
A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced Osaibovo Charles to 50 years imprisonment for defrauding a woman of £15,000.
The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, by Justice Ismail Ijelu, found Charles guilty of multiple offences, including conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, stealing, possession of fraudulent documents, and money laundering.
EFCC’s Case Against the Defendant
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate I, charged Charles on six counts related to defrauding Miss Shenika Garati.
According to the prosecution, Charles impersonated Nigerian actor Fredrick Leonard, deceiving the victim into believing he needed funds for a movie production.
One of the charges stated that in June 2022, Charles conspired to obtain £38,000 from the victim. Another revealed that between February and August 2022, he transferred £15,000 from the illegal transaction, concealing its origin.
Trial and Conviction
Charles pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial. The prosecution presented two witnesses and documentary evidence, while the defence called one witness.
After reviewing all submissions, Justice Ijelu ruled that the EFCC proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, convicting Charles on all counts except retention of proceeds of crime, for which he was acquitted.
Sentencing and Restitution
The court imposed the following sentences:
- 14 years for conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence
- 14 years for obtaining money by false pretence
- 5 years for stealing
- 14 years for possession of fraudulent documents
- 3 years for money laundering
All sentences are to run concurrently, amounting to a total of 50 years imprisonment.
Additionally, the court ordered Charles to refund £15,000 to Miss Shenika Garati, the defrauded victim.