Blord

Businessman, Linus “Blord” Ifejirika, has been granted bail after spending weeks in detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja over allegations of criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and the unauthorised use of activist Martins “VeryDarkMan (VDM)” Otse’s identity.

Human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, had earlier criticised the remand. He described it as an abuse of the legal system. He also pledged to secure the entrepreneur’s release.

Recall that Blord was remanded in custody on 1 April until 27 April over the offences.

Mr Sowore later announced the development on Friday through his Facebook page. He said Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to Blord on self-recognition.

He wrote: “Bail has been granted to Linus Williams, popularly known as BLORD, on self-recognition.

“The court, however, ordered that he deposit his international passport as part of the bail conditions.”

The court directed the 28-year-old to submit his international passport. It also required him to provide two sureties who are persons of good public standing. In addition, the judge instructed him to refrain from making public comments about the case.

Blord’s counsel, Abubakar Marshal, admitted that his client had offended VDM. He added that both parties were making efforts to resolve the dispute amicably.

The disagreement between the two figures dates back to October 2025. At the time, Blord advertised what he described as an “iPhone XR converted to an iPhone 17 Pro Max” and sold it at a high price.

VDM reacted by accusing him of misleading Nigerians. He alleged that the businessman sold refurbished phones at inflated rates. He described the act as fraudulent and warned the public against engaging with him.

The controversy appeared to fade until January, when Blord introduced the “Ratel” application. He said the platform allows users to buy gift cards, PlayStation products, and digital funds using naira or cryptocurrency.

The launch generated widespread reactions online, especially among members of VDM’s Ratel group, which is known for community service activities across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Detained Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur, Linus Williams Ifejirika, widely known as B-Lord, has rejected claims that he reached out to plead with social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, while in custody.

B-Lord is currently held at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja after his arraignment before a Federal High Court over allegations that include criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and the unauthorised use of VeryDarkMan’s identity.

His position was made public by a delegation that visited him in detention on the instruction of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

In a video seen on Monday, members of the delegation stated that the businessman remained firm despite his situation. They said he also expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have supported him.

Speaking after the visit, a member of the delegation, AK Musa Esq., said, “We just concluded a visit to Mr. Linus Williams, aka B-Lord. Our visit was upon the mandate of Mr. Omoyele Sowore in solidarity with B-Lord concerning the ongoing incarceration.

“We met him in very high spirits. He’s very comforted, very resolute and gallant in his convictions. And he has extended his appreciation to all Nigerians who have stood with him in solidarity. He is very grateful to everybody who has raised their voice on this matter.”

Another member of the team, Rock Yusuf, addressed reports that B-Lord had attempted reconciliation with VeryDarkMan. He dismissed the claims and clarified B-Lord’s stance.

“And for the record, B-Lord said he did not send anybody to go and beg the complainant, which is VeryDarkMan,” Yusuf said. “He said anybody who went to beg VeryDarkMan, they are on their own.

“That he wants to see this matter to the logical conclusion,” Yusuf added.

The case followed a petition filed by VeryDarkMan, who accused B-Lord of using his name and image without permission to promote business activities.

According to the activist, the entrepreneur allegedly produced documents and promotional materials bearing his identity and claimed an endorsement deal valued at hundreds of millions of naira that did not exist.

B-Lord has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court ordered that he be remanded in custody, with the next hearing scheduled for April 27, 2026.

Earlier, Sowore criticised the detention. He warned against what he described as the misuse of the legal system to suppress citizens. He also pledged to work towards the discontinuation of the case and B-Lord’s release.

Despite the controversy, B-Lord’s latest position indicates that he intends to challenge the allegations in court rather than seek an out-of-court settlement.