Court Grants Blord Bail in Defamation Case Linked to VDM
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Linus Williams Ifijirika, popularly known as Blord, in a defamation case linked to Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VDM.
The proceedings were held virtually before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.
The hearing took a key turn after the prosecution withdrew its opposition to the bail application. The prosecution had earlier filed a 16-paragraph counter affidavit against the application, deposed to by a police officer attached to the Force Headquarters. However, during the proceedings, the prosecuting counsel applied to withdraw the document through a motion dated April 13, 2026.
The defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Clem Ezika, did not object, and the court struck out the counter affidavit.
The defence also withdrew its response on points of law, which had been filed in reaction to the now-withdrawn affidavit. The prosecution again raised no objection, and the court struck it out.
With no objections before the court, the defence moved its motion for bail filed on April 1, 2026. The application was supported by constitutional provisions and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, backed by a 10-paragraph affidavit and seven grounds.
Counsel urged the court to grant bail on self-recognition or, alternatively, allow the sureties from the earlier administrative police bail to stand.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted bail, ordering the defendant to deposit his international passport with the court and produce two sureties of good public standing.
