Popular Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, widely known as Blord, has taken legal steps to protect the brand name “Ratel,” warning social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM), to stop using the name without permission.

Blord disclosed on Instagram that he has officially trademarked “Ratel” as his business brand and has instructed his lawyer to issue a cease-and-desist notice to VeryDarkMan.

According to him, any future use of the name would now require his explicit approval.

The development comes after reports that “Ratel” is the label VeryDarkMan uses to identify his fanbase online. Blord, however, insists that the name now falls under his registered intellectual property and should no longer be used freely by others.

“I have directed my SAN to issue a cease-and-desist to VDM to stop using my brand name ‘Ratel.’ He will have to seek approval from me before using it,” Blord wrote.

This latest move adds another layer to the ongoing public dispute between the two figures. Their clash reportedly began in October 2025, following VeryDarkMan’s trip to China, where he claimed to be assisting Nigerian traders with sourcing affordable goods and supplier connections.

During that period, VeryDarkMan accused Blord of alleged fraudulent practices and inflating the prices of modified gadgets.

Also Read: Kaduna Police Deny Reports of 100 Worshippers Kidnapped During Church Service in Kajuru

Tensions further intensified when VeryDarkMan was said to have submitted a petition to the police, calling for an investigation into Blord’s business activities.

As the rivalry continues to play out online, the trademark battle over “Ratel” has now pushed the feud into legal territory.