BLOGGER ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED CYBERSTALKING AND BLACKMAIL OF AGEGE LG CHAIRMAN

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), on Wednesday arrested Nurudeen Adegbenro, a self-proclaimed blogger, over allegations of cyberstalking, blackmail, and incitement against the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Chief Ganiu Kola Egunjobi.

Adegbenro, who identifies as the Editor-in-Chief of an online platform, was apprehended in the Agege area of Lagos shortly after leading early morning prayers as an Imam at a local mosque on Oredapo Street.

According to police sources, Adegbenro allegedly used multiple social media accounts under fake identities to publish defamatory content against Chief Egunjobi, who also holds the traditional title of Otun of Egbaland.

An investigation revealed that in February 2021, Adegbenro had approached Egunjobi, offering to publicise his administration’s achievements on a little-known news site, hotnewsnaija.ng, and later demanded financial compensation. When the request was declined, he allegedly began a sustained online campaign to malign and threaten the council chairman.

A source said, “The council’s information office discovered that Adegbenro was misrepresenting himself. The website in question even carries a disclaimer distancing itself from him.”

Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer at FCID Annex, Alagbon, Mayegun Aminat, said the action followed a formal petition submitted by T.C. Eze Chambers on behalf of Chief Egunjobi.

“The petition detailed allegations of cyberstalking, scandalous publications, incitement, threats to life, and actions likely to cause public disorder,” Aminat stated.

She added that the online harassment intensified after Adegbenro’s unsuccessful attempt to secure an appointment as Egunjobi’s media aide.

In response to his arrest, Adegbenro took to Facebook, confirming the police invitation and dismissing claims of being manhandled.

“The officers were civil and professional. Everything is under control,” he wrote. “Let us be calm. I’ll issue a proper statement shortly.”

He thanked the public for their concern and reiterated his respect for the Nigeria Police Force.

As of press time, police investigations into the matter are ongoing.