Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has vowed to push for the release of Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as B-Lord, warning that the legal battle involving social media activist Martins Vincent Otse risks turning the justice system into a weapon against citizens.
B-Lord, founder of the Blord Group, was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and the unauthorised use of VeryDarkMan’s identity in promotional materials and business ventures.
Following his arraignment, the court ordered that B-Lord be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until April 27, 2026, pending further hearing of the case.
Reacting shortly after the remand order, Sowore condemned the detention, warning that celebrating incarceration under controversial circumstances could strengthen a system that suppresses dissent and weaponises the law against citizens.
Sowore revealed that he had already contacted his lawyer, Marshal D. F. Abubakar, urging him to disengage from any legal process that may contribute to imprisoning an individual under disputed circumstances.
“I have read about the court-ordered detention of an individual known as B-Lord, and I must say this clearly that no one should celebrate the incarceration of any person under the colour of law,” Sowore said.
He further criticised reactions in some quarters celebrating the businessman’s detention, arguing that such sentiments undermine justice and due process.
“We must all agree that sending B-Lord to prison is not a victory for legal brilliance or advocacy. Rather, it risks emboldening a system of oppression that weaponizes the law against citizens,” he added.
Sowore stressed that justice should not be equated with punishment, insisting that the legal system must not be used as a tool for persecution.
“Justice must never be reduced to punishment for its own sake. I will work to ensure this case is discontinued and B-Lord is released without further delay,” he stated.
The legal battle stems from a petition filed by VeryDarkMan, who accused B-Lord of falsely using his name, image, and identity to promote business ventures without consent.
According to VeryDarkMan, B-Lord allegedly forged travel documents, printed promotional materials bearing his image, and falsely claimed a N500 million endorsement deal linked to the launch of a technology platform.
“As you all know, Mr. Linus forged flight tickets with my name ‘Martins Otse’ and claimed I was coming to Onitsha to join him in launching his Blunt Gadget app,” VeryDarkMan said in a statement shared on social media.
“He also claimed he paid me N500 million to be his brand ambassador and said I approved the Billpoint app. He printed a billboard with my face on it and claimed I was his ambassador without my permission.”
The activist insisted that the claims were false, adding that he has consistently rejected endorsement deals to preserve what he described as the integrity of his brand.
“All of these are false because I, Martins Vincent Otse, have boldly written on all my social media bios that I do not take adverts or promotions,” he said.
VeryDarkMan further revealed that he had rejected endorsement offers worth over N700 million in the past, stating that he intends to use his influence for advocacy rather than commercial partnerships.
Following the court proceedings, VeryDarkMan shared a video showing himself trailing law enforcement officials as B-Lord was transported in a Black Maria prison vehicle to the Kuje Correctional Centre.
In the video, the activist said he wanted to personally witness B-Lord’s arrival at the correctional facility, a development that has since sparked debate online about the growing influence of social media activism in criminal proceedings.
B-Lord pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment, while the case was adjourned to April 27, 2026, for further hearing.
The unfolding legal battle has since generated national controversy, with some Nigerians backing VeryDarkMan’s stance on identity misuse, while others echo Sowore’s concerns that criminal prosecution over social media disputes could set a troubling precedent.
As the April 27 hearing approaches, the case is rapidly evolving into a broader national conversation about justice, activism, social media influence, and whether Nigeria’s legal system is gradually becoming a battleground for public figures and digital power struggles.