Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused herself from the criminal case filed by the Nigeria Police against cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams, popularly known as BLord, following allegations brought by social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The judge ordered the case returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another court and adjourned proceedings to May 19, 2026, for mention, with BLord present in court while VDM briefly appeared before leaving.
BLord, who was earlier granted bail on self-recognizance with a condition to deposit his international passport, is facing a six-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime, impersonation and fraud linked to claims he used VDM’s identity and image to promote his businesses.
According to court documents, the charges include alleged false endorsements, misleading promotional posts and creation of fake digital records, offences said to contravene the Cybercrime Act and Advance Fee Fraud Act, though BLord has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who helped secure BLord’s bail, also criticised the prosecution and detention, describing it as misuse of the legal system while pledging to continue pushing for the case to be discontinued.