Social media influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has publicly accused businessman and crypto investor Blord of attempting to defraud Nigerians by marketing a refurbished iPhone XR as a brand new iPhone 17 Pro.
According to statements made in an Instagram video, VDM claims that Blord collaborated with associates in China to modify an iPhone XR outwardly—to mimic the casing, interface, and icons, so it could pass off as the much newer and pricier iPhone 17 Pro. He alleges that Blord priced the device at ₦400,000 each, exploiting the hype around the “latest” iPhone model.
VDM argues that the genuine value of the upgraded device, including shipping from China, would amount to about ₦280,000, making the inflated price a form of extortion disguised as innovation. He pressed Blord to explain this discrepancy, accusing him of deceiving buyers and profiting from naive consumers.
Blord had earlier posted an unboxing video, showcasing the transformed phone and claiming it functioned like a genuine iPhone 17 Pro despite using an XR panel. He asserted that the device was “sealed,” capable of performing like the latest model, and that the external modifications were genuine.
Reactions from the public have been swift and mixed. Some users support VDM’s revelations and call for legal accountability, while others argue that Blord isn’t forcing anyone to purchase from him. Some defensive voices suggest that business competition and controversy are part of market dynamics.
As of now, there is no official response from Blord addressing the allegations. The claims have caused a stir in tech and influencer circles, raising concerns about accountability, consumer protection, and the risks of counterfeit or modified gadgets in Nigeria’s tech marketplace.
