Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday reportedly recused herself from the criminal case filed by the Nigeria Police Force against Linus Williams, popularly known as BLord.
The case stems from a petition made by social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to the police, which initially led to the arrest of BLord.
Third Lens gathered that the judge directed that the matter be returned to the Honourable Chief Judge for reassignment to another court.
According to Sahara Reporters, the case was subsequently adjourned to May 19, 2026, for mention.
A video on social media showed VeryDarkMan at the court premises, where he made a brief appearance before exiting the courtroom. BLord was also present.
On April 7, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to the embattled cryptocurrency entrepreneur, BLord, following days of detention.
His bail was granted on self-recognition, while his international passport was ordered to be deposited.
BLord, 27, is facing a six-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime, impersonation, and fraud, filed by the Inspector-General of Police.
Court documents show that the charges stem from allegations that the businessman fraudulently used the identity, image, and brand of VeryDarkMan to promote his business ventures, including the Billpoint application.
In one of the counts, prosecutors accused BLord of falsely claiming that VeryDarkMan endorsed his platform as the “number one app” for booking local and international flights, an action said to violate provisions of the Cybercrime (Prevention, Protection, etc.) Act.
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