Nigerian crypto entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejika, better known as Blord, has announced the launch of a new digital platform called RATEL, an app that blends fintech and utility services and carries a name linked to the social media movement led by influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM). The announcement has ignited buzz on social media as the rivalries and shared histories between the two figures resurface amid the launch. 

The RATEL app, unveiled on Sunday, January 18, 2026, is designed to offer users a range of services including the purchase of airtime and mobile data, payment of electricity bills, and management of other utility services across several African countries. Blord described the platform as a move toward ease and convenience for users, positioning it as a solution for common everyday transactions. 

What has captured attention is not just the app’s utility but its name. The term “Ratel” or “Ratels” is widely associated with the fanbase and movement of VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse, a controversial social media activist and critic known for his outspoken commentary and civic engagement. The name choice has reignited discussions around brand ownership, identity, and the intersection of personal rivalries and business ventures in Nigeria’s digital space. 

Blord shared a promotional video on his social media platforms as part of the launch campaign. In the clip, he highlighted the capabilities of the app and touted its potential to grow into a large-scale platform serving users across the continent. He also projected that RATEL could generate hundreds of millions of naira in revenue by mid-2026, while promising to contribute a portion of earnings to charitable causes—a pledge that has stirred both interest and skepticism online. 

VDM Reacts to RATEL App Launch

VeryDarkMan, whose online influence stems largely from his Ratel Movement and loyal following, responded to the app launch with remarks that emphasised authenticity over legal ownership. In a recent interaction, VDM argued that being a ratel means more than holding a trademark, suggesting that the spirit and identity of the movement cannot be replicated simply by naming a commercial product. Social media users shared clips of VDM stating that “there can only be one real ratel,” indicating his position that the movement’s cultural identity belongs to its followers rather than any app. 

The public reaction to the RATEL app has been mixed. On platforms such as X and Instagram, some commentators praised Blord’s business acumen for turning ongoing drama and brand recognition into what could become a functional fintech product. Others, however, questioned the motives behind using a name tied to someone else’s social movement, debating whether the naming choice was a strategic marketing play or an attempt to co-opt a cultural label born out of online activism. 

Some users observed that the move reflects a broader trend in Nigeria’s digital space where conflict and attention can translate into visibility for tech products. Others made light of the situation, joking that the feud between Blord and VDM might inadvertently boost the app’s recognition and downloads, regardless of the deeper meanings behind the name. 

VeryDarkMan’s Ratel Movement itself has been active beyond online debates, with the group previously mobilising volunteers for nationwide community service activities aimed at environmental cleanup and civic engagement. The movement’s work has given the Ratel identity a social activism dimension that some followers say should not be commercialised. 

As the RATEL app begins onboarding users, its success will likely be measured by adoption rates, user satisfaction, and how well it competes with existing digital payment and utility platforms. Regardless of technical performance, its launch has already sparked conversations about branding, social identity, and how online influence intersects with tech entrepreneurship in Nigeria.