A Lagos State High Court on Tuesday sentenced Osaibovo Charles to 50 years in prison for a series of financial crimes, including fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering.
Justice Ismail Ijelu, presiding at the Ikeja High Court, convicted Charles following a trial by the Lagos Zonal Directorate I of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Charles was accused of defrauding Miss Shenika Garati of £15,000 by impersonating Nigerian actor Fredrick Leonard, claiming the funds were needed for a movie production. He faced six counts, including conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, stealing, possession of fraudulent documents, and money laundering.
The court heard that between February and August 2022, Charles transferred the £15,000 derived from illegal activity, concealing its origin. One charge also involved a conspiracy with a deceased co-defendant to obtain £38,000 from the victim.
Charles pleaded not guilty to all charges. During the trial, the prosecution called two witnesses and submitted multiple documents, while the defence presented one witness.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ijelu said the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Charles was sentenced to 14 years each for conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence, five years for stealing, 14 years for possession of fraudulent documents, and three years for money laundering. All sentences are to run concurrently.
Charles was acquitted on one count of retention of proceeds of crime. The court also ordered him to repay the £15,000 to the victim.