The Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sentenced Elijah Okwa Etenrulimre to three months imprisonment for criminal impersonation online, with an option of N200,000 fine.

Justice Maurine Adaobi handed down the sentence after Etenrulimre pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of impersonating American actress Kaley Cuoco on social media platforms.

According to a statement released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the convict, a native of Cross River State, was arraigned on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

The charge against Etenrulimre read: "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."

Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel Enobong Ubokudom urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant according to the law. Defense counsel Samson Awuje, however, pleaded for leniency, citing the defendant's remorse and promise not to reoffend.

Justice Adaobi subsequently convicted Etenrulimre and sentenced him to three months imprisonment with effect from the date of his arrest and detention, with an alternative option to pay a fine of N200,000.

The EFCC revealed 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 conducted by EFCC operatives.

This conviction comes amid intensified efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat the rising cases of internet fraud and cybercrime in the country, particularly those involving identity theft and impersonation on social media platforms.