Sowore Visits Businessman B-Lord In Kuje Prison, Alleges Political Undertone Over Refusal To Join Pro-Tinubu ‘City Boys’ Group -

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Wednesday visited detained Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur, Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as B-Lord, at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, describing his detention as troubling and raising concerns over possible political undertone behind the case.

B-Lord, who has recently been at the centre of an online confrontation with social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, is currently being held at the facility amid ongoing legal proceedings.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the visit, Sowore said he met B-Lord in surprisingly high spirits despite his detention, noting that he had expected to find him in a depressed state.

“We have just met with B-Lord, who has been in the correctional centre. It’s unbelievable how much of a high spirit this guy is in,” Sowore said.

“In fact, we were feeling bad. He was better than us because we went there feeling bad for him. Only to find this guy in high spirits. We were expecting to find him crestfallen.”

Sowore also thanked members of the media who accompanied him to the facility, emphasising the importance of public scrutiny in cases involving alleged rights violations.

The activist further alleged that B-Lord’s detention might have been influenced by political considerations following comments he reportedly made about supporters of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Sowore, the cryptocurrency entrepreneur had earlier posted a video declaring that he would never associate with a group popularly known online as “City Boys,” a term used by some supporters of Tinubu.

“But we also found out that there are some political individuals involved as well,” Sowore said.

“Apparently he made a video saying he would never join City Boys. You know, the guys who are supporting Tinubu.”

“So they said that because of that, they gave him the impression that, ‘You think you are wise.’ So there’s also a political undertone now,” he said.

Sowore, however, expressed hope that the matter would eventually be resolved in line with the principles of justice.

“But all of it will be resolved in the interest of justice as soon as possible. So that’s the submission I have to tell you,” he said.

The activist also criticised the failure of authorities to follow proper legal procedures in B-Lord’s case.

“I’m here because B-Lord is being oppressed. Because due process was not followed,” Sowore stated.

“You know? Yes. If you care, you can go and join issues with him. My issue is that in this country we have a right to protect everybody, to live freely in the country, to not be oppressed, for the law not to be used against anyone.”

He further alleged that the detention involved an inappropriate collaboration between elements within the judiciary and law enforcement.

“For judges not to connect with police and prison officers to jail somebody in a way that is unnecessary for a matter that is plainly civil,” he said.

Sowore also condemned reports that some individuals allegedly followed the prison vehicle transporting B-Lord while mocking him, describing such conduct as unacceptable and dangerous.

“And then drive behind the prison truck to the place and mock the person. It’s not done. Let’s just tell ourselves the truth. I would never do that to mock,” he said.

“I would love to drive behind the prison truck that brought (Abubakar) Malami to prison. But I won’t do it. Because it’s improper.”

He warned that such actions could also create serious security risks during prisoner transportation.

“In fact, it’s unsafe. What if they kill him on the way inside the prison vehicle? What are you going to do? We told that much to the prison people,” he explained.

Sowore added that following a prisoner transport convoy without authorisation violates established correctional protocols.

“That’s also a violation of the prisoner’s transportation code because it’s supposed to be a backup vehicle. That’s it. That’s the point,” he said.

However, he thanked journalists and supporters who have been monitoring the situation.

The activist was joined on the visit by a team of legal practitioners, including A.K. Musa, Barrister Wayne, Chika, and other members of the Take It Back Movement.

B-Lord’s detention has continued to generate debate online, particularly following his social media exchanges with VeryDarkMan and growing public interest in the case.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that B-Lord denied sending emissaries to negotiate with VeryDarkMan during his ongoing detention at Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

The information came from a delegation that visited the businessman in prison, acting on the directive of Sowore.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, the activists said B-Lord remained steadfast despite his incarceration and expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have offered him support.

After the visit, a member of the delegation, AK Musa Esq., said, “We just concluded a visit to Mr. Linus Williams, aka B-Lord. Our visit was upon the mandate of Mr. Omoyele Sowore in solidarity with B-Lord concerning the ongoing incarceration.

“We met him in very high spirits. He’s very comforted, very resolute and gallant in his convictions. And he has extended his appreciation to all Nigerians who have stood with him in solidarity. He is very grateful to everybody who has raised their voice on this matter.”

Another member of the delegation, Rock Yusuf, addressed reports that B-Lord had sought to reconcile with VeryDarkMan, categorically denying the claims.

“And for the record, B-Lord said he did not send anybody to go and beg the complainant, which is VeryDarkMan,” Yusuf said. “He said anybody who went to beg VeryDarkMan, they are on their own.