Police Uncover Gistlover Blog Syndicate; Arrest and Parade Three Suspects.
In a crackdown on cyberstalking, threat to life, and blackmail schemes operating under the guise of microblogging platforms, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center has arrested three individuals linked to the infamous Gistlover blog.
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The suspects, Adebukola Kolapo, Nnedum Micheal Somtomchukwu, and Isaac Akpokighe, all males aged 27, 25, and 30 respectively, are members of the Gistlover family syndicate responsible for the daily operations of the controversial microblogging platform.
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The arrest followed a petition lodged by Hon and Doctor Mrs. Seye Oladejo, prompting the Cybercrime Center to act swiftly in addressing the alleged criminal activities associated with the Gistlover blog.
Suspects’ Roles in the Cyberstalking Syndicate:
Adebukola Kolapo, known as Omo oba Gistlover, is allegedly responsible for creating over 80 percent of Gistlover pages. Being on the platform’s payroll and enjoying incentives such as car gifts and money, Adebukola played a significant role in scouting, editing, and captioning content. He contributed to the cyberstalking post against Hon. and Dr. Mrs. Oluseyi Oladejo and participated in laundering money obtained from the illegal scheme.
Nnedum Somtochukwu, the second suspect, shared in the conspiracy. Whenever the Gistlover page faced sanctions for policy violations, Nnedum redirected traffic to new pages, helping the blog evade sanctions. Enjoying incentives like referrals for promotions, Nnedum also shared content, feedback, and defamatory remarks with the head of the syndicate.
Isaac Akpokighe, the third suspect, emulated the Gistlover blog by creating several pages that mirrored its activities. He reposted defamatory and life-threatening content against the complainant and other notable Nigerians. Digital forensics led to the recovery of four Gistlover pages created by Isaac Akpokighe.
Charges and Warnings:
The suspects will face charges in court upon the conclusion of the investigation. The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, PhD, warned against partnerships that promote the illegal activities of the Gistlover blog and similar platforms.
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center, led by CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, has been applauded for its efforts. The Inspector General reiterated the commitment of the Force to ensuring the safety of citizens in both physical and digital spaces.
This arrest has stirred controversy on social media, with discussions revolving around the implications of cyberstalking and the responsibility of online platforms to curb such activities.
Source: Nigeria Police Force – Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi
