Blord issues cease and desist to VeryDarkMan over the “Ratel” brand, citing trademark rights amid ongoing social media feud

Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as Blord, has issued a cease and desist order to social media personality VeryDarkMan, preventing him from using the name “Ratel” without approval.

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The announcement was made on Monday, January 19, 2026, via Blord’s Instagram page, following the trademark registration of “Ratel” as his official business brand.

Blord explained in a public statement that VeryDarkMan can only use the name with his explicit consent.

“I have directed my SAN to issue a cease and desist to VDM to stop using my brand name ‘Ratel’. He will have to get an approval from me henceforth before using that name Ratel,” Blord wrote in his Instagram story.

The development has sparked mixed reactions on social media, drawing attention to the ongoing feud between the two personalities.

The dispute dates back to October 2025 when VeryDarkMan visited China to assist Nigerian business owners in sourcing goods.

During the trip, VeryDarkMan accused Blord of business fraud and overpricing of modified gadgets and reportedly petitioned the police to investigate his operations.

The “Ratel” name is widely recognised among VeryDarkMan’s online followers as a label for his loyal supporters, making the trademark conflict particularly high-profile.

Blord’s legal action underscores the growing importance of intellectual property rights among Nigerian entrepreneurs and influencers.

Legal experts note that such disputes, when not promptly addressed, can have lasting impacts on brand value, social media influence, and business credibility.

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As the debate continues online, both parties remain in the public eye, with many users weighing in on who has rightful claim to the brand.