Court Jails Internet Fraudster In Akwa Ibom

Monday June 2, 2025|

The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, presided over by Justice Maurine Adaobi, has convicted and sentenced one Elijah Okwa Etenrulimre to three months’ imprisonment for offences bordering on criminal impersonation online.

This was contained in a statement dated May 30 by the spokesman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, made available to newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

Oyewale revealed that Etenrulimre, a native of Cross River State, was arraigned by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Thursday, May 29, 2025, on a one-count charge related to his fraudulent internet activities.

The charge, according to the EFCC, reads:

“That you, Elijah Okwa Etenrulimre (aka Kaley Cuoco), sometime in 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did fraudulently present yourself as Kaley Cuoco on social media with the intent to gain advantage for yourself, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024, and punishable under the same section.”

Upon the reading of the charge, Etenrulimre pleaded guilty. Following his plea, prosecution counsel Enobong Ubokudom urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant in accordance with the law.

However, defence counsel Samson Awuje pleaded for leniency, asking the court to temper justice with mercy, citing the defendant’s remorse and promise not to reoffend.

After hearing both sides, Justice Adaobi convicted and sentenced Etenrulimre to three months’ imprisonment, effective from the date of his arrest and detention.

Alternatively, the court allowed him the option to pay a fine of N200,000. The EFCC confirmed that Etenrulimre was arrested on May 5, 2025, at his residence in Okuku, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, during a sting operation by EFCC operatives.

He was subsequently arraigned and convicted.