A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, widely known as Blord, at the Kuje Correctional Centrepending the hearing of criminal charges against him.
The court ruled that Blord will remain in custody for 26 days, with proceedings set to resume on April 27, 2026.
Blord is facing multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and the alleged unauthorised use of the identity of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case originates from accusations by VeryDarkMan, who claims Blord used his name and image without consent in promotional campaigns. According to the allegations, Blord falsely portrayed the activist as being affiliated with his business ventures.
Among the claims brought before the court are that Blord allegedly forged travel documents suggesting VeryDarkMan was scheduled to attend a product launch in Onitsha, and falsely stated that he paid the activist ₦500 million as a brand ambassador. He is also accused of promoting applications and businesses using VeryDarkMan’s identity, including printing billboards and flyers that implied an endorsement agreement that never existed.
VeryDarkMan has consistently denied any involvement, maintaining that he does not participate in advertisements or paid promotions.
Following the arraignment, the presiding judge ordered Blord’s detention at Kuje Correctional Centre while the case proceeds.
The development has sparked mixed reactions, including criticism from activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. Sowore condemned public celebration of the detention, warning that such actions could reinforce systemic abuse of legal processes.
He stated that imprisoning the defendant should not be viewed as a victory, adding that he would push for the case to be discontinued.
Blord, founder of the Blord Group, oversees a network of companies spanning real estate and financial technology, including ventures focused on cryptocurrency trading. He has built a strong public presence through aggressive and high-visibility marketing strategies.
Legal experts note that the charges fall under Nigerian laws that criminalise impersonation and the unauthorised commercial use of another person’s identity. If proven, such offences can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment, and may also expose the defendant to civil liability.
The case raises broader concerns about digital marketing practices and the legal limits of using another individual’s image or identity without consent, particularly in an era dominated by influencer branding and online promotions.
As the legal battle unfolds, Blord remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case will resume on April 27, 2026.