ABUJA — A heated social media war has erupted between Nigerian influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and cryptocurrency businessman Linzus Bassey, also known as Blord, over allegations of fake iPhone sales.
The controversy began when VeryDarkMan accused Blord of selling refurbished iPhones disguised as new iPhone 17 Pros for as much as ₦450,000. According to VeryDarkMan, the devices were actually old iPhone XR models that had been modified and rebranded to appear like the latest iPhone 17 Pro.
In a video shared online, VeryDarkMan claimed he traced the phones to a Chinese factory, where he said he documented how old iPhones were refurbished, fitted with new casings and updated components, then shipped to Nigeria to be sold as “brand-new” devices.
“These are not real iPhone 17 Pros. They are refurbished XR phones that have been upgraded to deceive buyers,” he alleged, urging Nigerians to be cautious when purchasing gadgets from unverified sources.
Blord, who is widely known for his flashy lifestyle and crypto business, quickly fired back, denying the allegations and accusing VeryDarkMan of trying to ruin his reputation.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Blord allegedly shared private photos of VeryDarkMan on his Instagram story after publicly offering ₦500,000 to anyone who could send him the images.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians criticising both men for allowing their disagreement to spiral out of control. Social media users have also raised concerns about the rise of counterfeit gadgets and privacy violations in the country’s influencer space.
Digital rights advocates have called on authorities to investigate the alleged leak of private images, warning that such acts amount to cyber harassment and invasion of privacy under Nigerian law.
Meanwhile, consumer protection experts say the controversy highlights a bigger problem — the influx of fake and refurbished electronic products into Nigeria’s markets, often sold as genuine brands to unsuspecting buyers.
As of press time, both Blord and VeryDarkMan continue to trade words online, with no sign of peace in sight.
