ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has made significant strides in the fight against cyberstalking, life-threatening activities, and blackmail schemes masquerading as microblogging pages. Acting on a petition filed by Hon. and Dr. Mrs. Seye Oladejo, the NPF-NCCC arrested three individuals linked to a case of conspiracy, cyberstalking, and a threat to life.
The suspects, identified as Adebukola Kolapo, Nnedum Michael Somtomchukwu, and Isaac Akpokighe, all males aged 27, 25, and 30, respectively, are members of a syndicate known as the “Gistlover Family.” This group operates the Gistlover blog, a microblogging platform notorious for cyberstalking, incitement, blackmail, and other illicit activities that have prompted public outcry over the years.
Upon interrogation, the suspects provided insights into their involvement in the conspiracy, corroborating existing evidence. Adebukola Kolapo, also known as Omo oba Gistlover, played a pivotal role, creating over 80 percent of the Gistlover pages and using his digital footprint to facilitate criminal acts. He was responsible for scouting, editing, and captioning contents, including cyberstalking posts against the complainant, Hon. and Dr. Mrs. Oluseyi Oladejo. Adebukola has also been implicated in money-laundering activities related to the illegal scheme.
Digital forensic analysis led to the recovery of eight Gistlover pages created by Adebukola and 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. Nnedum received incentives such as referrals for promotions from the head of the syndicate and engaged in sharing contents, feedback, and making defamatory remarks.
Isaac Akpokighe, the third suspect, imitated the Gistlover blog, creating several pages and mirroring its activities, including reposting defamatory and life-threatening content. Digital forensics led to the recovery of four Gistlover pages created by Isaac Apkokogho.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun emphasized a strong warning against partnerships promoting illegal activities of such blogs. He commended the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center, led by CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to ensuring citizens’ safety in both physical and digital spaces.
