Nigerian entrepreneur and crypto-mogul Linus Williams, popularly known as Blord, has officially regained his freedom after nearly three weeks in custody. He was released from Kuje Correctional Centre on the evening of Monday, April 20, 2026, following the perfection of his bail conditions.
The billionaire businessman was granted bail in the sum of ₦20 million by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, April 17, after being remanded since the beginning of the month.
The “Impersonation” Legal Battle
The legal saga stems from a heated dispute with social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM):
- The Charges: Blord was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on alleged identity theft and impersonation. The prosecution alleged that Blord used VDM’s image and brand identity to promote his business ventures without authorization.
- The Remand: Following his arraignment on April 1, he was sent to Kuje Prison, where he spent 16 days, including the Easter holiday period.
- The Bail Hearing: During the hearing on April 17, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia granted him bail with the condition that he deposit his international passport and provide two reputable sureties. Notably, VDM’s legal team withdrew their opposition to the bail application during the proceedings.
Sowore’s Intervention and VDM’s Reaction
The case took a political turn when human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore stepped in:
- “Civil, Not Criminal”: Sowore visited Blord in prison and publicly criticized the remand, labeling the dispute as a civil matter that should not have involved criminal prosecution or police detention. He argued that the use of state power to settle personal and commercial scores was a dangerous precedent.
- VDM’s Counter-Stance: VeryDarkMan initially mocked Sowore’s involvement, claiming the activist lacked the power to stop the legal process. However, the subsequent withdrawal of opposition to the bail suggests a de-escalation of the legal hostility.
The Freedom Video
In a viral video posted shortly after his release, a visibly relieved Blord expressed deep gratitude to his legal team and supporters. He specifically thanked Omoyele Sowore for his “vocal advocacy” and acknowledged the calls from influential figures like footballer Victor Boniface, who reportedly reached out during his detention.
True to his “B-Lord” persona, the entrepreneur maintained that the experience had only made him “stronger” and more focused on his business empire.
