Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Impersonating Nollywood Actor Fredrick Leonard and Scamming Woman £15,000

By Amaka Augusta — November 19, 2025 · Lagos, Nigeria

🌟 Celebrity Gist Update: A Lagos High Court has jailed a man for impersonating popular Nollywood actor Fredrick Leonard and defrauding a woman of £15,000. The court handed down a 50-year sentence — and ordered the money returned. Read on for the full gist.

Drama don tey oh! According to court reports, Osaibovo Charles (also reported simply as Charles Osaibovo) was convicted by a Lagos High Court after the prosecution proved he posed as actor Fredrick Leonard to swindle a woman who had trusted him. The victim allegedly sent a total of £15,000 believing the funds were for an upcoming movie project the fake actor claimed to be producing.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly investigated the matter, and the judge — sitting at the Lagos High Court — found the defendant guilty on multiple counts, including obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy, possession of fraudulent documents, stealing, and money laundering.

Quick Facts

• Defendant: Osaibovo Charles
• Victim: Miss Shenika Garati (reported in court documents)
• Amount: £15,000
• Verdict: Guilty on multiple counts
• Sentence: 50 years imprisonment (terms to run concurrently)
• Court: Lagos High Court (Ikeja division)
• Reason: Impersonation (Fredrick Leonard), fraud and related offences

Social media users and celebrities have repeatedly warned about impersonation scams like this — where fraudsters steal the identity of public figures to win victims’ trust. This case is a stern reminder that even convincing messages or photos do not guarantee legitimacy.

According to reports from local news outlets, the court also ordered restitution — the defendant must repay the full amount to the victim. Legal observers say the harsh sentence reflects the judiciary’s growing intolerance for high-value internet frauds that exploit celebrity names and public trust.

For fans of Nollywood stars: remember that celebrities rarely personally request money for projects via direct messages. Always confirm with official channels, publicists, or verified representatives before sending funds to anyone claiming to be a public figure.

#CelebrityGist #FredrickLeonard #ScamAlert #NigeriaNews #MamaontopUpdates

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Sources: Reports from major Nigerian news outlets and EFCC statements. (Channels TV, Legit.ng, Sahara Reporters, EFCC).
Note: This post is based on court reports and official statements. We strive for accuracy — if you have verified updates, email us at mamaontop3tv@gmail.com.