Court Jails Man For 50 Years For Defrauding British Woman of £15,000

Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Tuesday convicted and sentenced a businessman, Charles Osaibovo, to a total of 50 years in prison for defrauding a British national, Miss Shenika Garati, of £15,000.

Justice Ijelu convicted Osaibovo of a six-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, theft, possession of fraudulent documents, and money laundering.

The judge held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had proven all the elements of the crime against the convict beyond a reasonable doubt.

The EFCC had accused the convicts of fraudulently obtaining £15,000 from Garati by impersonating Nigerian actor Fredrick Leonard, claiming the funds were for a movie in Nigeria.

One charge stated, “Charles Osaigbovo and the late Charles Evans Osaigbovo, in June 2022 in Lagos, conspired to defraud Miss Shenika Garati of £ 38,000 by false pretence.

Another states, “Between February and August 2022, in Lagos, Osaibovo transferred a total of £15,000 obtained illegally, hiding its illegitimate source.”

Charles had pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned, leading to a full trial.

The prosecutor, Tunde Banjo, called two witnesses and presented several documents; while the defence called only one witness.

Justice Ijelu held in his judgment, “After reviewing the evidence, the court is satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The defendant is guilty as charged,” ruled the judge.

The sentences were: 14 years for conspiracy, 14 years for obtaining money by false pretences, five years for theft, 14 years for possessing fraudulent documents, and three years for money laundering, all without an option for a fine.

The court, however, acquitted the convict of the count involving proceeds of crime, due to insufficient evidence.

Justice Ijelu further held that all the sentences shall run concurrently. He also ordered the restitution of £15,000 to Miss Garati.