By Our correspondent
Young businesman, Linus Williams Ifejika, popularly known as BLord, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, BLord was taken into custody in Abuja on Tuesday, July 16, following allegations of cryptocurrency fraud, terrorism funding, and aiding internet fraud, among other charges.
The police said it will ensure proper investigation of the businessman, especially as it has to do with crypto fraud and cyber crime.
The arrest has sparked outrage among young people in Awka, who have demanded BLord’s release.
The protesters, mostly in their twenties and thirties, gathered in their hundreds in a new housing estate in Awka, the Anambra State capital, chanting: “Free BLord!” and “Justice for BLord!”
BLord, a cryptocurrency vendor and Managing Director of BLord Group, Blord Real Estate Ltd., Blord Jetpaye Ltd., and Billpoint Technology, has been a prominent figure in Anambra State’s business circle.
The police statement alleged that complaints were lodged against BLord’s companies, leading to his arrest.
The statement reads: “The FCID (NPF-NCCC) is currently investigating complaints lodged against BLORD GROUP, BLORD REAL ESTATE LTD, BLORD JETPAYE LIMITED, and BILLPOINT TECHNOLOGY.
“These offences include allegations bothering on cryptocurrency fraud, aiding internet fraud, computer-related fraud, terrorism funding, and non-compliance with regulatory frameworks.
“We will do due diligence in our investigations.
“Our cyber space in Nigeria must be safe and secured by all means. We are committed to achieving that.”
Our correspondent recalled that he had previously been arrested on August 31, 2020, by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who grilled him in Awka, alongside some other youths accused of internet fraud.
He was, however, acquitted by the Enugu State Federal High Court in a landmark judgment delivered on May 7, 2022, after barely two years of legal wrangle — a victory he dedicated to the Nigerian Youths, and then continued his crypto business, before his latest arrest and detention on Tuesday July 16, in Abuja.
As the protest continues, tensions are high in Awka, with many calling for BLord’s immediate release.
