Internet Impersonator Jailed Three Months for Cybercrime in Uyo

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – A Federal High Court in Uyo, presided over by Justice Maurine Adaobi, has convicted and sentenced Elijah Okwa Etenrulimre to three months imprisonment for criminal impersonation on the cyberspace.

Etenrulimre, who also used the alias “Kaley Couco” online, was found guilty of fraudulently presenting himself as the celebrity to gain an advantage.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday, May 29, 2025, follows Etenrulimre’s arraignment by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He faced a one-count criminal charge for his illicit online activities.

According to the charge sheet, Etenrulimre, “sometime in 2024, in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently present yourself as Kaley Couco 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.”
When the charge was read in court, Etenrulimre pleaded guilty.

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, emphasizing his client’s remorse and promise to desist from criminal activities, requesting a second chance.

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After hearing both arguments, Justice Adaobi convicted Etenrulimre, handing down a three-month jail term. The sentence is to run from May 5, 2025, the date of his arrest. Alternatively, the convict has the option to pay a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦200,000).

Etenrulimre’s arrest was a result of a sting operation conducted by EFCC operatives on May 5, 2025, at his residence in Okuku, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. He was apprehended for his involvement in internet fraud, leading to his subsequent arraignment and conviction.