The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of three people suspected to be the handlers of the controversial microblogging platform, Gistlover blog, on charges of cyberstalking, News About Nigeria reports.
The arrested suspects are identified as Adebukola Kolapo (27), Nnedum Somtomchukwu (25), and Isaac Akpokighe (30).
The arrest followed a petition by Dr. and Mrs. Seye Oladejo, who reported the alleged cyberstalking, conspiracy, and threats to life associated with the Gistlover blog.
The suspects were paraded at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Police Public Relations Officer, the suspects are members of a syndicate known as the ‘Gistlover family’, responsible for operating the Gistlover blog.
The blog has been criticised for its involvement in cyberstalking, incitement, blackmail, and other related activities, prompting a public outcry.
The police provided details of the suspects’ roles in the alleged crimes.
Adebukola Kolapo, also known as Omo Oba Gistlover, was identified as the creator of over 80% of Gistlover pages and was responsible for scouting, editing, and captioning content.
Adebukola, who was reportedly on the payroll of the platform, also played a role in laundering money obtained from the illegal scheme.
Digital forensic analysis led to the recovery of eight Gistlover pages created by Adebukola, and wallet addresses used in money laundering were traced.
The police said that the evidence supports the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
In response to the arrests, the Gistlover Instagram handle denied the allegations and accused the police of unprofessionalism.
A post on the account dismissed the charges and challenged the police to provide evidence linking the arrested men to Gistlover.
The post also hinted at potential legal action against the police and the petitioner.
