The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has made significant strides in combating cyberstalking, threats, and blackmail schemes operating through microblogging pages. Three individuals have been apprehended in connection with a case of conspiracy, cyberstalking, and threats to life.
Acting on a petition submitted by Hon. and Dr. Mrs. Seye Oladejo, the NPF-NCCC conducted a thorough investigation leading to the arrests of Adebukola Kolapo, Nnedum Micheal Somtochukwu, and Isaac Akpokighe—members of the syndicate behind the notorious Gistlover blog. This microblogging platform has long been associated with cyberstalking, incitement, blackmail, and other illicit activities.
The suspects’ involvement varied, with Adebukola Kolapo (also known as Omo oba Gistlover) responsible for creating the majority of Gistlover pages and actively contributing to its criminal activities. He played a pivotal role in scouting, editing, and captioning content, including cyberstalking posts against Hon. and Dr. Mrs. Oluseyi Oladejo. Adebukola was also involved in money laundering activities linked to the illegal scheme, benefiting from perks like car gifts and monetary rewards.
Furthermore, the investigation recovered eight Gistlover pages and wallet addresses associated with money laundering. Nnedum Somtochukwu facilitated the blog’s evasion of sanctions by redirecting traffic whenever the page faced takedowns due to policy violations. He actively engaged in sharing defamatory content and remarks with the syndicate’s leader, benefiting from promotional referrals.
Isaac Akpokighe, the third suspect, imitated the Gistlover blog by creating similar pages and replicating its malicious activities. Digital forensics revealed his involvement in reposting defamatory and threatening content against various individuals, including the complainant. Four Gistlover pages were traced back to Isaac.
The suspects are pending trial upon the conclusion of the investigation.
In response to this breakthrough, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun PhD. NPM, emphasized the Force’s commitment to citizens’ safety in both physical and digital spaces. He warned against affiliations supporting illegal activities of such blogs and similar operations.
The NPF-NCCC, led by CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, received commendation for its efforts in combating cybercrime.
Issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, this development reinforces the police force’s dedication to curbing cyber threats and ensuring a safer online environment for all citizens.