Gistlover Syndicate: Family Denies Police Claims, Asserts Innocence of Paraded Suspect

A recent incident involving the Nigeria Police Force has raised concerns as Sunny Anderson Osiebe accuses law enforcement of wrongfully profiling his cousin, Isaac Akpokighe, as a member of the Gistlover syndicate. Isaac was among the three individuals paraded by the police as suspected operators of the popular blog Gistlover.

The police, in a press statement by their spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa, claimed to have apprehended three individuals, including Isaac, for their alleged involvement in the operations of Gistlover. The arrest, reportedly made by the National Cybercrime Center of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), was linked to a case involving conspiracy, cyberstalking, and threats to lives.

Sunny Anderson Osiebe, in a statement released on Sunday, asserted that Isaac had been wrongfully implicated. He claimed that the police investigation, conducted over two weeks, had exonerated Isaac from the alleged crimes, leading to the family’s push for his bail.

Osiebe expressed frustration over the shifting bail conditions, alleging that the police changed the required officer level from 15 to 16, causing Isaac to spend the Christmas break and the new year in detention. Despite fulfilling the adjusted bail conditions on January 3, 2024, the police reportedly delayed the release, requesting additional approval from the DIG investigation.

To add to the family’s distress, the police proceeded to parade the suspects on the same Friday they were expected to be released. Osiebe questioned the police’s actions, stating, “How do you parade people you are still investigating? Which reasonable and responsible organization does that? It amounts to defamation and intimidation.”

Amidst the ordeal, Gistlover has called on the police to reveal any link the trio may have with its operations. Osiebe demands the immediate and unconditional release of his brother, emphasizing Isaac’s innocence in connection with Gistlover. The family’s plea comes at a time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of a renewed hope in various aspects. The incident raises questions about due diligence in police investigations and the potential consequences of premature public parades during ongoing inquiries.