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The National Cybercrime Center of the Nigeria Police Force, prompted by a petition from Hon. and Dr. Mrs. Seye Oladejo, has successfully apprehended three individuals involved in a case of Conspiracy, Cyberstalking, and Threat to Life.
A statement issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, disclosed that the suspects—Adebukola Kolapo, Nnedum Micheal Somtomchukwu, and Isaac Akpokighe—aged 27, 25, and 30 respectively, are affiliated with a syndicate known as Gistlover family. This syndicate has been operating the Gistlover blog, a microblogging platform notorious for “Cyberstalking, incitement, Blackmail, and sundry,” which has been a cause for public concern over the years.
Upon arrest, the suspects confessed to their various roles in the conspiracy, confirming the existing overwhelming evidence. Adebukola Kolapo, also known as Omo oba Gistlover, was identified as the creator of over 80 percent of the Gistlover pages, contributing significantly to the criminal activities. He was responsible for scouting, editing, and captioning contents, including cyberstalking posts against the complainant. Adebukola, who received incentives like car gifts and money, played a key role in laundering funds obtained through illegal activities.
Further investigation and digital forensic analysis led to the discovery of eight Gistlover pages created by Adebukola on the syndicate’s instructions, along with wallet addresses used for money laundering.
The second suspect, Nnedum Somtochukwu, actively participated in the conspiracy by redirecting traffic to new pages whenever the blog faced sanctions. He received incentives for promotions from the head of the syndicate and engaged in sharing defamatory content.
The third suspect, Isaac Akpokighe, a 30-year-old resident of Igando, Lagos State, mimicked the Gistlover blog, creating several pages that mirrored its activities. Digital forensics revealed the recovery of four Gistlover pages created by Isaac Apkokogho.
Adejobi emphasized that the suspects would face charges in court upon the completion of the investigation. The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun PhD. NPM, cautioned against partnerships promoting illegal activities of such blogs. He commended the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center, led by CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, in ensuring the safety of citizens in both physical and digital spaces.
