Popular Nigerian businessman and socialite, Linus Williams, widely known as BLord, has been granted bail, marking a fresh twist in the high-profile legal battle that has kept social media buzzing for months.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, disclosed the development, revealing that the court granted BLord bail on self-recognizance but with conditions.
“Bail has been granted to Linus Williams, popularly known as @mrblordofficial BLORD, on self-recognizance. The court, however, ordered that he deposit his international passport as part of the bail conditions,” Sowore stated.
BLord had been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in April 2026 following allegations of impersonating controversial online activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM), whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse.
The court ordered his remand for 26 days after claims that he used the activist’s image for advertising, forged documents, and operated a fraudulent application.
According to the allegations, BLord used VDM’s image on billboards and across social media, presenting him as a brand ambassador without consent.
He was also accused of creating a fake app and forging a flight ticket to suggest that VDM endorsed the “Billpoint” platform, claims the activist strongly denied.
How the BLord vs VDM feud escalated
What began as a social media clash between two outspoken personalities has now spiralled into a full-blown legal showdown.
The rift reportedly started around 2024 but escalated in October 2025 when VDM publicly accused BLord of business fraud.
He alleged that BLord sold refurbished iPhones while marketing them as brand-new iPhone 17 devices—an accusation that sparked widespread debate online.
By January 2026, the dispute had taken a more complex turn. BLord reportedly trademarked the name “Ratel” and moved to stop VDM from using it, issuing a cease-and-desist letter through his lawyers.
In response, VDM was said to have attempted to trademark the “BLORD” name, further intensifying their rivalry.
The feud soon moved beyond business accusations, with both sides trading claims of overpriced products, filing petitions with law enforcement, and even leaking private materials.
However, tensions peaked when BLord allegedly used VDM’s image on a billboard, claiming he had paid him N500 million as a brand ambassador.
He also reportedly circulated a flight ticket in VDM’s name, suggesting he would attend an event in Onitsha—claims VDM dismissed as false and misleading.
VDM eventually took the matter to court, accusing BLord of impersonation, identity misuse, and forgery. Following the proceedings, the court ordered BLord’s remand in Kuje Prison pending further investigation—a development that saw the businessman spend the Easter period in custody.
The case has since divided public opinion.
While some Nigerians have called for calm and urged VDM to withdraw the case, others insist the matter should be resolved strictly through legal means.
Among those who weighed in is rapper Phyno, who publicly appealed to VDM during a stage performance in Enugu, asking him to consider settling the dispute.
VDM later admitted he was open to withdrawing the case out of respect for the music star. However, the situation took another turn after Sowore criticised BLord’s arrest, describing it as an act of bullying and pushing for his release.
VDM disagreed with that stance, insisting the case should follow due legal process. He challenged Sowore to take concrete legal steps instead of making public comments.
A social media analyst, known as Silva Squad Channel on TikTok, also faulted attempts to downplay the matter.
“This is not social media, this is the law,” he said. “If someone feels wronged, going to court is the most civilised thing to do.”
As the case continues, a viral video showing VDM escorting BLord to Kuje Prison earlier had underscored the seriousness of the allegations, which include forgery and false claims linking the activist to BLord’s business ventures.
VDM has consistently maintained that he does not engage in advertising or promotional deals, insisting that all claims made by BLord were false.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, both camps remain firm in their positions. BLord now out on bail, and VDM determined to see the case through.
With court proceedings still ahead, the clash between the two figures is far from over, and many are watching closely to see how one of Nigeria’s most talked-about digital feuds will ultimately be resolved.
