Legal Expert Breaks Silence on Blord's Status After Kuje Prison Remand
Since his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Anambra-born businessman Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as Blord, has become a major topic of discussion across Nigerian social media platforms. The controversy stems from his legal clash with social media commentator VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse.
Lawyer Provides Detailed Legal Explanation
Barrister Atanda Olatunji, founder of The People's Parliament on Facebook, has offered a comprehensive legal perspective on whether Blord can now be regarded as an ex-convict following his incarceration. The legal practitioner responded directly to questions circulating online about Blord's status after the court ordered his remand.
Blord was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, April 1, facing charges including criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and unauthorized use of VeryDarkMan's identity. The court subsequently ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, sparking widespread debate about his legal standing.
Why Blord Cannot Be Considered an Ex-Convict
Barrister Atanda explained through his Facebook page that Blord cannot be legally classified as an ex-convict, even if he spends 26 days or more at the correctional facility. The lawyer emphasized several key legal points:
- Blord has not been found guilty of any crime by the court
- No conviction has been recorded against him
- Being remanded in prison does not constitute a conviction
- He remains innocent before the law until proven guilty
The barrister stated clearly: "The answer is NO, because the court has not found him Guilty of any crime yet and he is not convicted yet. Been remanded in Prison does not make you an ex convict, he is still very much innocent before the law as we speak, because the court is yet to find him Guilty."
Legal Definition of Ex-Convict Status
Barrister Atanda further clarified the legal requirements for someone to be considered an ex-convict. According to his explanation:
- The court must first find the individual guilty of a crime
- The individual must be sentenced to prison, community service, or ordered to pay fines
- Only after completing such sentences can someone be referred to as an ex-convict
The lawyer concluded his statement with a reminder that "ignorance of the law is no excuse" for misunderstanding legal terminology and procedures.
Mixed Reactions to Legal Clarification
The lawyer's explanation has elicited diverse reactions from social media users. Some commentators expressed understanding of the legal distinction, while others maintained their own interpretations of the situation.
One user, Iyingi Dan Lucky, commented: "Okay, let's wait to hear and see what when he gets convicted before conclude on him." Another user, Dawn Caleb, offered a different perspective: "Well...na you sabi that one...but for us laymen even if na 3mins him spend inside kuje na still exconvict....atanda don't play..."
Background of the Case
VeryDarkMan initially informed Facebook users about Blord's arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The social media commentator had pursued legal action against Blord, leading to the current proceedings.
An eyewitness named Ositadinma, a member of the Ratels Movement, previously shared details about what allegedly transpired in court before Blord was taken to prison. The eyewitness praised VeryDarkMan for handling the matter appropriately and heeding appeals to pursue legal action against Blord.
The case continues to generate significant public interest as Nigerians follow the legal proceedings and debate the implications of remand versus conviction in the country's justice system.
