A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Tuesday sentenced Osaibovo Charles to 50 years in prison for defrauding a foreign national of £15,000 by impersonating Nollywood actor Fredrick Leonard.
Justice Ismail Ijelu convicted Charles on multiple charges, including conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, stealing, possession of fraudulent documents, and money laundering. The EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate led the prosecution.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that Charles deceived Miss Shenika Garati into transferring the money under the pretense that it was required for a movie production in Nigeria.
“Charles posed as the famous actor to lure the victim into believing he was raising funds for a legitimate film project,” the EFCC stated.
During trial, Charles pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented two witnesses and numerous documents, while the defense called a single witness.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ijelu said, “Having reviewed the evidence, the court is satisfied that the prosecution has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant is found guilty as charged.”
The court handed down separate sentences for each offence: 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, and 3 years for money laundering. All sentences will run concurrently.
The convict was discharged and acquitted on a charge of retention of proceeds of crime. He was also ordered to refund the entire sum of £15,000 to Miss Garati.
The EFCC described the ruling as a “significant victory in the fight against online fraud and impersonation scams” and urged the public to exercise caution when transferring funds online, especially to strangers claiming association with celebrities.
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