Frederick Leonard’s Impersonator Arrested By EFCC For Duping American

Frederick Leonard Impersonator Arrested By EFCC For Duping American

EFCC Nabs Fraudster Posing as Nollywood Star Frederick Leonard in Scam Targeting American Victim

In an unprecedented legal victory that marks a milestone for justice, the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully returned various recovered assets to an American citizen, Cheryldene Cook, who was scammed by a fraudulent individual named Aisosa Kelvin Ohue, who falsely claimed to be renowned Nollywood actor, Frederick Leonard.

This highly commendable act, which brings immense relief to the victim and underscores the efficacy of the justice system in Nigeria, was announced through an official press release on the Commission’s website last Friday.

According to the detailed press release, the astonishing array of recovered assets includes a staggering N19 Million Naira in cash, a three-bedroom semi-detached duplex located in the upscale Ward 36A Amagba Community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, a top-of-the-line Lexus E350 saloon car, the latest iPhone 13 Pro Max, and a Samsung A31 smartphone. These assets were ceremoniously presented to the victim in a landmark event held at the Commission’s Abuja office.

Spearheading this remarkable handover were the highly respected Zonal Commander, ACE I Adebayo Adeniyi, and the esteemed Head of the Advanced Fee Fraud Section 1, ACE II Jimoh Rauf. They upheld the Commission’s commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring that justice is served to the victims.

The American victim, Ms. Cook, who traveled thousands of miles from the United States to receive her recovered assets, was not alone in this emotionally charged moment. Accompanying her to the Commission’s office was her legal representative, the highly-regarded Dr. Mike Nwosu. Both were visibly overwhelmed by the event, and Ms. Cook couldn’t contain her gratitude toward the Commission for its unyielding pursuit of justice.

It is worth recalling the legal circumstances that led to this groundbreaking development. The honorable Justice C.E Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje had earlier this year ruled that all properties related to this case were to be immediately forfeited, following the conviction of Aisosa Kelvin Ohue on a three-count charge. The charges were rooted in obtaining money under false pretenses, as Ohue manipulated the victim in a classic love scam, all while deceitfully impersonating famed Nollywood actor, Frederick Leonard.

This case has attracted widespread attention for various reasons. For one, it involves cross-border dimensions, exemplified by the victim’s nationality and the fact that she felt compelled to fly all the way to Nigeria to recover her lost assets. This goes a long way in reinforcing international confidence in the Nigerian justice system. It also highlights the persistent issue of cybercrime in Nigeria, specifically the rising cases of ‘love scams,’ where unsuspecting victims are manipulated emotionally and financially by scammers who exploit their victims’ vulnerabilities for personal gain.

Moreover, the involvement of a name as prominent as that of Nollywood actor Frederick Leonard—albeit falsely used by the scammer—adds an additional layer of complexity and public interest to the case. It brings into focus the urgent need for public figures to take adequate measures to protect their identity online, as their names could be weaponized for fraudulent activities.

The triumph in this case is a major endorsement of the relentless efforts by the EFCC and other related agencies in the fight against financial crimes in Nigeria. It serves as a stern warning to potential fraudsters that the arm of the law is long and unyielding. Those who dare to engage in such fraudulent activities will not only face the full wrath of the law but will also be forced to return their ill-gotten gains, thereby providing some form of restitution and closure to the victims.

What makes this case even more groundbreaking is the swiftness with which justice was served. From the time of reporting the fraud to the arrest, trial, and eventual conviction of Aisosa Kelvin Ohue, the legal and investigative machinery of Nigeria worked in a highly efficient and commendable manner, leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that justice was meted out.

The successful recovery and handover of assets in this case symbolize a broader victory for both the Nigerian justice system and international relations. It is an affirmation of the steadfast commitment of Nigerian authorities to uphold justice and protect the rights and assets of both its citizens and foreign nationals, thereby fostering a climate of trust and mutual respect among nations.

This serves as a beacon of hope for victims of financial crimes, not only in Nigeria but around the world. It sends a clear message that no matter how complex or international the case may be, justice is attainable. And for the scammer who believed he could impersonate a famous actor and exploit an innocent person, it’s a sobering reminder that crime never pays.