The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, widely known as Blord, after several days of uncertainty surrounding his detention.
In its ruling, the court approved bail on self-recognizance, requiring no sureties, but ordered that he surrender his international passport as part of the conditions.
The development was confirmed by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who was present at the proceedings on Friday.
“Bail has been granted to Linus Williams, popularly known as BLORD, on self-recognizance. The court, however, ordered that he deposit his international passport,” Sowore stated.
Before the ruling, Sowore had hinted at cautious optimism while announcing his attendance at the hearing.
Allegations Surround Police Handling of Detention
Blord’s legal situation has attracted public attention, particularly over the role of the Nigeria Police Force and officers attached to its National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
Reports circulating from multiple sources have raised concerns about alleged misconduct during his detention.
Among the claims are that footage of Blord while in custody was leaked under questionable circumstances.
According to insiders, the video was allegedly passed to social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
Sources further alleged that the footage may not have been entirely spontaneous, claiming that parts of the scene were orchestrated.
One account suggested that officers deliberately created a disturbing scenario by forcefully waking Blord and rattling his cell gate in what was described as an attempt to produce humiliating content.
Transfer to Kuje Changes Course of Events
Additional allegations point to a possible collaboration between certain officers and the activist aimed at publicly ridiculing the detained entrepreneur.
However, the situation reportedly shifted after the court declined to remand Blord at the cybercrime facility. Instead, he was transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre, a decision that appears to have altered the course of events.
Eyewitness accounts also claimed that the activist followed the vehicle transporting Blord to Kuje, livestreaming the journey while making mocking remarks.
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As of now, authorities have not publicly addressed the allegations, and the matter continues to generate debate over due process, detainee rights, and the conduct of law enforcement officials.