Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, also known as B-Lord, is seeking a faster hearing for his bail application after being sent to the Kuje Correctional Centre.
On April 2, 2026, Williams’ lawyers from Dunu Chambers wrote to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, requesting that a vacation judge hear the bail application urgently on April 8 or 9, 2026.
The letter, signed by lawyer Chukwudi Chikelue, explained that Williams was arraigned on April 1 before Justice R.N. Ofili-Ajumogobia at Court 4 of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case was filed by the Nigeria Police Force under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/126/2026.
The defence said they filed and served the bail application right after the arraignment, but it could not be heard that day because it was not ready for consideration. The trial was then postponed to April 27, 2026.
“The bail application will be ripe for hearing on the 8th April, 2026. We humbly request a date for a hearing of the application for bail on the 8th or 9th of April, 2026 by the vacation judge,” the letter read.
Williams, 27, has been charged with six counts related to alleged cybercrime, impersonation, and fraud by the Inspector-General of Police.
READ ALSO: Court Sends Blord to Prison Over VeryDarkMan
According to court documents, he is accused of using the identity and brand of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, to promote his business ventures, including the Billpoint application.
In one of the counts, prosecutors alleged that Williams falsely claimed that VeryDarkMan endorsed his platform as the “number one app” for booking local and international flights, in violation of provisions of the Cybercrime (Prevention, Protection, etc.) Act.
Another charge alleges he used his Instagram account, @mrblordofficial, to make people believe the activist was his brand ambassador, so he could benefit financially.
Prosecutors also say Williams posted false promotions, including claims that the activist would attend a business rally in Onitsha, Anambra State, to convince people to make financial commitments.
Other charges say he allowed business locations connected to Blord Group to be used for spreading fraudulent messages. He is also accused of creating fake digital records, such as a flight ticket with the name “Martins Otse.”
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrime Act (as amended in 2024) and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Williams, however, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His arraignment and remand followed VeryDarkMan’s petition, accusing the entrepreneur of using his name and image without permission to promote products and services.
Meanwhile, human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has condemned the detention and vowed to push for the case to be discontinued.
Sowore criticised what he described as the growing misuse of the legal system to oppress citizens, warning against celebrating the incarceration of individuals before the conclusion of judicial processes.
“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 weaponises the law against citizens,” he said.
He also disclosed that he had contacted his lawyer to withdraw from any involvement in the matter, while reiterating his commitment to ensuring that Williams regains his freedom.
The case has continued to generate reactions on social media, particularly following videos posted by VeryDarkMan, who maintained that the businessman fabricated endorsement claims, forged documents, and misled the public using his identity.
With the defence’s fresh move to secure an early bail hearing, attention is now focused on whether the court will grant the request and determine the conditions for Williams’ possible release pending trial.
