Social media critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and businessman Blord have remained at the center of online discussions following their ongoing feud over the price and authenticity of the iPhone 17. The controversy has even prompted some Nigerians to tag Apple Inc., calling on the U.S. tech giant to take action.

According to a report by Waploaded, the drama started when VeryDarkMan accused Blord of misleading Nigerians by allegedly marketing refurbished iPhone XR devices as the latest iPhone 17 Pro.

While Blord reportedly offered the phones for ₦400,000, VDM claimed that they could be purchased at a significantly lower cost elsewhere. The back-and-forth between both men quickly went viral, leading many internet users to question whether Apple might step in to address the situation.

One viral tweet read:

“This VDM and Blord iPhone price war is wild. Apple needs to see this.”

In a separate viral video, a man identified as Dr. Paul Ezike warned that Apple could potentially sue Blord, VeryDarkMan, and others involved in promoting modified or rebranded iPhones if the matter were brought to the company’s attention.

He explained,

“Using another company’s brand name without authorization is intellectual property theft and trademark infringement, which are international offenses.”

Ezike further cautioned that Apple might even take action against individuals using these cloned devices, emphasizing:

“If anyone reports this to Apple, Blord and the rest should be ready with their lawyers because nobody granted them permission.”

The viral video of Dr. Ezike’s warning has continued to fuel discussions online, as Nigerians await possible reactions from Apple or the parties involved.

See post below:

See some comments below:

@Rose Jacob:”You don wake up as vdm name was mentioned,nah blord them go sue.”

@Darlington Iheke:”Dey play, apple won’t sue China,yet they will sue the buyer?”

@Ishi Efi:”Bros, You go just dey use all ur body dey find trouble.How will apple sue VDM, BLord and mamauka,na them produced the phones, instead of arresting the Chinese company that modified their iPhone making it cheaper and affordable to everyone, XR and iPhone 17 pro na apple get, they got no defence bro.”

@Darlington Okereke:”What about those of us that have upgrading cars?”

@Facky Sam”You’re saying the truth.”

@Mabu Rene Ngala:”Dr. Paul Ezike Apple is richer than all African countries combined. Not just Nigeria Sir.”

@Nixon Mbachu:”Point of correction Apple can’t sue anyone for converting iPhone XR to iPhone 17 since they all fall under the same Apple products..”