VeryDarkMan: Crypto Entrepreneur Blord Granted Bail By Court

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to embattled cryptocurrency entrepreneur, Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as Blord, bringing temporary relief after days of uncertainty surrounding his detention.

According to IReporter Online, the court admitted Blord to bail on self-recognizance but ordered him to deposit his international passport as part of the conditions attached to his release.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, confirmed the ruling on Friday after attending the court proceedings, noting that the defendant was granted bail without the requirement of a surety.

“Bail has been granted to Linus Williams, popularly known as BLORD, on self-recognizance. The court, however, ordered that he deposit his international passport as part of the bail conditions,” Sowore was quoted as saying.

Sowore had earlier expressed cautious optimism while announcing his presence at the hearing, as the case continued to attract public attention.

Blord’s release follows controversy surrounding his detention, which reportedly involved officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.

According to reports, allegations have emerged accusing some officers of misconduct and abuse of power during the handling of his arrest and detention, including claims that a video of him in custody was leaked and circulated online.

Insiders alleged that the footage may have been shared with social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, further intensifying public debate around the case.

Security sources also claimed the video was recorded under questionable circumstances, alleging that parts of the scene were staged to portray the detained entrepreneur in a degrading manner.

“The video showed Blord being forcefully awakened by officers who deliberately rattled his cell gate. It was staged to create degrading content,” a source alleged.

Further allegations suggested a coordinated effort involving some officers and the activist to publicly ridicule the detained entrepreneur, claims which have not been independently verified.

Sources further stated that the alleged plan was disrupted after the court declined a request to remand Blord at the cybercrime facility.

He was instead transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre, a development said to have altered the course of events.

Eyewitness accounts also claimed that VeryDarkMan trailed the prison van conveying Blord to Kuje and livestreamed the movement, adding to the controversy already surrounding the case.