A man identified as Osaibovo Charles has been convicted and sentenced to 50 years’ imprisonment for a £150,000 scam bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, stealing, possession of fraudulent documents and money laundering.
This follows the conviction secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
According to the EFCC, Charles was arraigned by its Lagos Zonal Directorate I on a six-count charge relating to the fraudulent collection of £15,000 from one Miss Shenika Garati.
The Commission disclosed that Charles deceived the victim by impersonating a popular Nigerian actor, Fredrick Leonard, claiming the funds were needed for a movie production in Nigeria.
One of the charges reads: “Charles Osaigbovo and Charles Evans Osaigbovo (deceased), in June 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, conspired to obtain the sum of £38,000 (Thirty-Eight Thousand Pounds) by false pretence from Miss Shenika Garati.”
Another count reads : “Osaibovo Charles, sometime between February and August 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, transferred the aggregate sum of £15,000 (Fifteen Thousand Pounds) derived directly from your illegal activity by concealing the illegal origin of the same.”
Charles pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting a full trial.
During the trail, the prosecution led by T.J. Banjo called two witnesses and tendered several documents in evidence, while the defence called one witness.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ijelu held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“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 judge ruled.
The sentencing was outlined as follows: 14 years for conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence; 14 years for obtaining money by false pretence; and 5 years for stealing.
Other sentences include 14 years for possession of fraudulent documents and 3 years for money laundering. All sentences were without an option of fine.
However, Charles was discharged and acquitted on the count of retention of proceeds of crime. All the sentences are to run concurrently, amounting to a total of 50 years’ imprisonment.
The court also ordered restitution of £15,000 to the victim.
