Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia Recuses Self From BLord Case, Orders Fresh Reassignment

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has recused herself from the criminal case instituted by the Nigeria Police Force against cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams, known as BLord, following allegations by social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The judge ordered that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another court. The matter was adjourned to May 19, 2026, for mention.

BLord was present in court on Monday. VeryDarkMan briefly appeared before leaving the courtroom, while activist Omoyele Sowore, who had earlier supported BLord’s bail application, was also in attendance.

The development comes weeks after the Federal High Court granted BLord bail on self-recognisance. As part of the bail conditions, the court directed him to deposit his international passport.

BLord is facing a six-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police, including allegations related to cybercrime, impersonation and fraud. Prosecutors allege he used VeryDarkMan’s identity and image without authorisation to promote business ventures, including the Billpoint app.

According to court filings, the charges include claims that BLord falsely represented VeryDarkMan as endorsing his platform and as a brand ambassador, allegedly to attract public patronage and financial commitments. Prosecutors also allege the circulation of false promotional materials and fabricated digital records linked to the activist.

The charges were brought under provisions of the Cybercrime (Prevention, Protection, etc.) Act, as amended in 2024, and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

BLord has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

His arraignment followed a petition by VeryDarkMan, who accused him of repeatedly using his name and likeness for commercial promotion without consent.

Sowore, who has criticised the prosecution, previously described the case as an abuse of legal process and argued against using the justice system as a tool of oppression. He has also called for the matter to be discontinued.