Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, convicted and sentenced Osaibovo Charles to 50 years’ imprisonment for offences including conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, stealing, possession of fraudulent documents, and money laundering.
Charles was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate I of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count charge over the fraudulent collection of £15,000 from Miss Shenika Garati. He had impersonated Nigerian actor Fredrick Leonard, deceiving the victim into believing the money was needed to fund a movie production in Nigeria.
One of the charges read: “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 stated: “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 charges, prompting a full trial. The prosecution, led by T.J. Banjo, called two witnesses and tendered several documents in evidence, while the defence presented one witness.
In his judgement, Justice Ijelu held that the EFCC 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,” he ruled.
The judge sentenced Charles to 14 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, another 14 years for obtaining money by false pretence, and five years for stealing. He also handed down 14 years for possession of fraudulent documents and three years for money laundering. All the sentences carry no option of fine.
Although Charles was discharged and acquitted on the count of retention of proceeds of crime, the sentences are to run concurrently, amounting to a total of 50 years’ imprisonment. The court also ordered the restitution of £15,000 to the victim, Shenika Garati.
