Lagos Court Sentences Man to 50 Years in Prison for £15,000 Scam Impersonating Actor Frederick Leonard
A Lagos High Court has sentenced Charles Osaibovo to 50 years imprisonment for defrauding a victim of £15,000 after impersonating renowned Nollywood actor Frederick Leonard.
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According to court documents, Osaibovo orchestrated an elaborate online scam, posing as the award-winning actor to gain the trust of his victim. He reportedly used fake social media accounts and manipulated conversations to convince the victim to send him money under various false pretenses.
Prosecutors told the court that Osaibovo’s actions were premeditated and malicious, noting that he exploited the victim’s admiration for the actor to carry out the fraud. After reviewing the evidence, the court found him guilty on multiple charges, including impersonation, obtaining money under false pretence, and cybercrime-related offences.
In delivering judgment, the presiding judge emphasized the need for deterrence, stating that the sentence should serve as a warning to individuals involved in online fraud, especially those who impersonate celebrities to deceive unsuspecting victims.
Security agencies have repeatedly cautioned the public against interacting with unverified social media accounts of public figures. Leonard himself has publicly raised concerns about impersonators using his name and photographs to scam unsuspecting fans.
Osaibovo will serve the 50-year term with no option of fine.
Lagos Court Sentences Man to 50 Years in Prison for £15,000 Scam Impersonating Actor Frederick Leonard