BREAKING: Gistlover owner, members arrested over conspiracy, cyberstalking, others

The National Cybercrime Center of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has apprehended three individuals in response to a petition filed by Mrs. Seye Oladejo. The arrest is linked to allegations of conspiracy, cyberstalking, and threats to life.

According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspects—Adebukola Kolapo, Nnedum Michael Somtochukwu, and Isaac Akpokighe, aged 27, 25, and 30 respectively—are members of a syndicate known as Gistlover Family, responsible for operating the Gistlover blog, a microblogging platform.

The blog has gained notoriety for engaging in cyberstalking, incitement, blackmail, and various other illicit activities that have sparked public outcry over the years.

Upon investigation, the suspects revealed their involvement in the conspiracy, substantiating the existing evidence. Adebukola Kolapo, alias Omo oba Gistlover, played a significant role in creating over 80% of the Gistlover pages, contributing to the perpetration of criminal acts. Nnedum Somtochukwu aided the blog in evading sanctions and redirecting traffic whenever the page faced infractions. Isaac Akpokighe imitated the Gistlover blog by creating several pages that mirrored its activities.

The police spokesperson mentioned that digital forensic analysis led to the recovery of eight Gistlover pages created by Adebukola, along with wallet addresses used for money laundering.

The suspects, who enjoyed incentives such as car gifts and monetary rewards, will face charges in court upon the completion of the investigation. The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, commended the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center for its commitment to ensuring citizens’ safety in both the physical and digital spaces. The statement also warned against supporting illegal activities similar to those of the Gistlover blog.