A Federal high court sitting in Lagos State has sentenced a Nigerian man Osaibovo Charles pretending to be popular Nollywood actor, Fredrick Leonard to 50 years in prison for defrauding a woman of £15,000.
Justice Ismail Ijelu at the Ikeja court delivered the judgment on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, after Charles was found guilty of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretense, stealing, possessing fake documents, and money laundering.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate I, had charged Charles on six counts related to defrauding Miss Shenika Garati.
One charge stated that in June 2022, Charles conspired to obtain £38,000 from the victim, while another noted that between February and August 2022, he transferred £15,000 from the illegal transaction, hiding its origin.
Charles had pleaded not guilty, leading to a full trial.
The prosecution presented two witnesses and several documents, while the defence called one witness.
After reviewing all evidence, Justice Ijelu ruled that the case was proven beyond reasonable doubt and found Charles guilty on all counts except retention of proceeds of crime, for which he was acquitted.
The court handed down 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, and 3 years for money laundering.
All sentences will run together, totaling 50 years.
The court also ordered Charles to return the £15,000 to Miss Garati.
