A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Nigerian entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as BLord, in an ongoing impersonation dispute involving social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
BLord had been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre since April 1, 2026, spending 16 days in custody, including the Easter holiday period. On Friday, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia approved his bail under what were described as liberal conditions.
As part of the ruling, the court ordered BLord to deposit his international passport with the court registrar and provide two sureties of reputable standing. The judge also cautioned him against making public statements about the case while it is pending, warning that any breach could affect his bail terms.
The legal dispute stems from allegations by VDM that BLord impersonated him by using his image and brand identity to promote business ventures without consent. VDM, who has built a large following online for his activism and commentary, filed a complaint that led to BLord’s arrest and subsequent arraignment.
During Friday’s bail hearing, VDM’s legal counsel withdrew a counter-affidavit previously filed in opposition to the bail application, indicating no further objection to BLord’s release. The development paved the way for the court to consider the application on its merit.
BLord’s defence team anchored its bail application on constitutional provisions guaranteeing the presumption of innocence and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). The application was backed by a seven-point argument and a 10-paragraph affidavit urging the court to exercise its discretion in favour of bail, noting that the offence is bailable and that the defendant is a known entrepreneur with fixed addresses and businesses in Nigeria.
With no objection from the prosecution, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia ruled in favour of the application and adjourned the substantive matter to April 27 for hearing.
The case has drawn significant attention online, given the public profiles of both parties. BLord is known in Nigeria’s tech and crypto space as the founder of Billpoint and other ventures, while VeryDarkMan has become one of the country’s most vocal social media influencers.
Legal analysts say the court’s decision aligns with the principle that bail should not be punitive, especially where the defendant has not been convicted and the prosecution does not oppose release. The judge’s directive barring public commentary is also consistent with efforts to prevent trial by social media and protect the integrity of proceedings.
As the April 27 hearing approaches, observers will be watching how the court treats the core issues of alleged impersonation, brand use, and consent in the digital space — a growing area of dispute in Nigeria’s online economy.
Both parties left the court without addressing the press, in line with the judge’s warning.
