A public dispute has escalated between activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) and cryptocurrency entrepreneur Blord, with both sides laying claim to the “Ratel” brand name and associated identity.
The clash has moved quickly across social media, with allegations, counter-allegations, and references to legal action, highlighting how digital influence and brand equity can collide in high-visibility disputes.
Supporters have mobilized online, turning a trademark question into a broader culture war about clout, legitimacy, and commercial ownership in Nigeria’s fast-evolving ‘street-tech’ space.
Echotitbits Take: If there is a definitive trademark record, that will become the key evidence point. Expect legal filings and PR narratives to harden in the coming days as both camps seek reputational advantage.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/drama-as-vdm-blord-lock-horns-over-ownership-of-ratel/ (2026-01-24).
Photo Credit: The Punch
