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THE iPHONE 17 PRO MAX CONTROVERSY: BLORD VS VERYDARKMAN, NIGERIANS REACT
UPDATE: New video from VDM shows alleged battery boosting trick. Click here to read the latest on the iPhone 17 Pro Max saga
https://nnewicity.com/iphone-17-pro-max-saga-continues/
INTRODUCTION
iPhone 17 Pro Max is currently trending and generating heated debate in the Nigerian online space. The debate is not because of Apple’s latest technology, but because of an unusual twist involving two well-known internet personalities – Blord, a flashy tech entrepreneur based in Awka, Anambra State and VeryDarkMan (VDM), a social media activist known for his bold exposés.
What started as Blord’s viral video showcasing an “upgraded iPhone XR turned iPhone 17 Pro Max” has now spiraled into a full-blown controversy. VDM, currently in China, claims he can import the exact same “converted” iPhones for much less, accusing Blord of overpricing and exploiting Nigerians. The issue has sparked massive reactions online, raising deeper questions about authenticity, trust, and the fine line between innovation and deception in Nigeria’s fast-growing smartphone market.
This article takes a balanced look at the unfolding drama, separating facts from assumptions, and highlighting what each side is saying, how Nigerians are reacting, and what this debate reveals about consumer awareness, trust, and the growing grey market for smartphones in Nigeria.
Whether you’re a curious buyer, a tech enthusiast, or simply following the trend, this piece offers a clear-eyed view of the iPhone 17 Pro Max controversy and what it means for everyday consumers.
THE CORE CLAIMS
Blord shared videos showing a device he said started as an iPhone XR and was “upgraded” or converted to look like a 17 Pro Max. The clips showed the casing, UI, and some camera shots. In his post he mentioned buying the device for over ₦400k and demonstrated features to convince viewers of its quality. Several entertainment pages picked up his video and embedded it.
Martins Vincent Otse (popularly known as VeryDarkMan) then, recorded videos from China claiming he could source the same converted units for about ₦280,000 landed cost. In the video, VDM accused Blord of “extorting Nigerians” by selling the converted phones at ₦450k and publicly challenged him to explain the markup. VDM’s videos and posts were widely shared and summarized by news/entertainment outlets.
WHAT PUBLIC EVIDENCE SHOWS AND WHAT IS STILL MISSING
While the iPhone 17 Pro Max debate has sparked countless opinions online, only a few pieces of verifiable evidence have surfaced. From videos shared by Blord to VeryDarkMan’s footage from China, the public has seen snippets of both sides but not the full picture. Here’s a closer look at what has actually been proven so far, and what key details are still missing:
Visible public evidence includes:
- Blord’s unboxing/demonstration videos showing a converted device.
- VDM’s China footage and price claims, used to call out Blord.
- Multiple reposts, discussions and threads on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nairaland where both sides are amplified.
However, the following parts are either missing or unverified:
- No independent technical teardown i.e. external phone-repair expert or lab publicly confirming whether the internals of the iPhone XR were changed to genuine 17 Pro hardware or only the exterior/UI were modified.
- No publicly available, fully itemized cost breakdown proving either the ₦280k or the ₦450k as the definitive landing cost after shipping, duty, clearance, local logistics and profit.
- No public regulatory action e.g. consumer-protection complaint or government probe found in available reports as of now.
Because of these gaps, the story remains an open dispute fueled by social media proofs, not court-tested facts.
HOW NIGERIANS ARE REACTING
The iPhone 17 Pro Max controversy has set social media abuzz, with Nigerians on different social media platforms weighing in. While some defend Blord’s business approach, others take a firm side with VeryDarkMan, praising him for exposing what they see as exploitation. From humorous takes to heated debates, here’s a glimpse of how Nigerians are reacting to the unfolding saga.
Captured below are real reactions and commenter names/handles captured from public posts and articles on the saga.
From Legit.ng (reactions to Blord’s post):
“They finished work here. I was extremely wowed by everything and the fact that the camera quality clean is one big mood omo.” – @mrs_blord
“I love the way you were very truthful about it.” – @vivacious_vina
“Omo XR wey don gbim, dem refurbish am to 17. wonders shall never end.” – @bobleosinachi
“I don’t understand the rationale behind trying to look rich when you are not! Why not just buy the 17?? No be person dey buy am? If you no fii buy, why not stick to the one you can afford? Una too dey do.” – @tifesingz
“I can only hear this kind thing in Nigeria. Real Apple Store can’t do this, so stop kidding.” – @kate_ogechii
“I talk am say na this one una dey buy because as I dey see as people dey buy am I shock.” – @olis_arichard
“Why buy XR 400k when you go just buy original 13, better battery, better screen, better camera, better processor. All so you go oppress who no send, with wetin nobody go dey reason in the next 6 months.” – @collinsxl_
“Na why I tell people say iPhone no get level, you can’t try this on Samsung phone. E no go lap well.” – @eltno
“Since dy fit upgrade møtør nothing bad if they upgrade phones too na, u sha no fit come ask me to showing d setting to confirm if 17 or upgraded.” – @ebuka_ezenduka
From the Nairaland thread “Verydarkman Accuses Blord Of Selling Fake iPhone 17 For ₦450K Instead Of ₦280K!”
“I just watched the video on Facebook about 5 minutes ago…
But come on, make VDM my man relax …..We all know Blord to be a business man and business men are known to be doing business for the sake of making profit……E come just be like VDM wan cast people source of livelihood….
At least, Blord no go force anybody to buy from am….na who get money go buy normally…” – Sonnobax15(m)
“This is a scam . Why would an 17 be put in an XR?
Do you mean that an XR has been updated to the latest iOS?
Why are we like this? Tufiakwa” – missjeklyll
“Na Nigerians be their biggest problem, last last. A phone that is N 1.16M if brought from the US is what a Yahoo boy is using to scam the gullible. God forbid. He’ll be the first to complain that the government is killing the masses and stealing wealth.” – meobizy(m)
“VDM decided to spoil show for kuz of old beef. BLORD call his mum a thief.
The guy wan do back” – silverkings
Cornell Osigwe, in his Facebook post on his page described the act of upgrading iPhone XR to iphone 17 Pro Max as “embarrassingly shameful” and warned that it amounts to intellectual property theft and counterfeiting, crimes punishable under laws in Nigeria, the USA, and China.
Overall, Osigwe’s post serves as a legal and moral warning against participating in or promoting fake iPhone 17 Pro Max sales, portraying it as a national embarrassment, a criminal offense, and a threat to Nigeria’s global reputation.
In what seemed quite humorous, another Nigerian with Facebook name “Odinaka” who alleges to also be an influencer made a video where he claimed that he can supply the same phone at a price (₦200k) even cheaper than what both VDM and Blord were offering.
A BALANCED ANALYSIS
Now, here’s a fair look at both sides of the controversy which examines Blord’s defense, Verydarkman’s claims, and the facts available so far. This will help to separate emotions from evidence and help you understand the real issues behind the viral iPhone 17 Pro Max controversy.
If VDM truly sourced comparable converted units of the said phone from China at the price he claims, it suggests a significant markup by resellers. But then, a single quoted price does not automatically include every Nigerian market cost i.e. duty, shipping variations, clearance fees, black-market forex spreads, local transport, and after-sales support.
Blord, on his part, could be factoring in warranty, return handling, local presence, and the risk of doing smaller volume deals. Some defenders say these justify higher local prices. There is also the fact that some buyers accept aesthetic conversions, if price/performance suits them.
However, it’s possible that Blord is selling converted units at a higher price, while VDM’s simplified comparison underestimates certain legitimate local expenses.
At the same time, if Blord markets conversions as genuine iPhone 17 Pro Max without clear disclosure, that is misleading and potentially illegal.
WHY CONVERTED iPHONES IN THE FIRST PLACE?
The interest of many Nigerians in buying a converted or “upgraded” iPhone in place of the so-called iPhone 17 Pro Max, appears to go beyond just the device itself. Some people are of the opinion that it is deeply tied to social perception and lifestyle aspirations. In a society where owning the latest iPhone is often seen as a symbol of success, class, or tech-savviness, some people feel pressured to “belong” or to project a certain image, even if it means settling for a modified version.
For many youths, the iPhone represents status validation on social media. Photos, reels, and lifestyle posts often draw more attention when captured with an iPhone. Others are simply curious or unaware of the difference between genuine and converted phones, seeing the cheaper price as an opportunity to “upgrade” without breaking the bank.
However, for some, it’s not just about fake life, it’s about economic survival and perception. With the real iPhone 15 or 16 models priced beyond the reach of many average Nigerians, a modified phone offers a taste of luxury at a lower cost. The desire to look modern, relevant, and respected in a digitally driven society makes such offers attractive, even when buyers know they’re not getting the real deal.
IN CONCLUSION…
In the end, the iPhone 17 Pro Max controversy between Blord and Verydarkman has opened a wider conversation about values, consumer awareness, and the image-driven culture shaping today’s Nigerian society. Beyond the viral drama lies a deeper lesson about how easily people can be drawn into trends that prioritize appearances over authenticity.
Whether Blord’s actions were a case of business innovation gone wrong or an intentional attempt to exploit public trust, the episode highlights the urgent need for transparency, ethics, and digital literacy in the fast-growing Nigerian tech market.
For consumers, it’s a reminder to verify before buying, and for entrepreneurs, a call to build credibility, not controversy. As the dust settles, what will define this saga is not who won the online argument, but how Nigerians choose to move forward, demanding honesty and integrity in the brands they support.
REFERENCES
- https://www.legit.ng/people/1677988-man-upgrades-iphone-xr-17-pro-mentions-how-sell-device-people-sparks-reactions
- https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1678416-vdm-calls-blord-fake-iphone-17-pro-alleges-attempt-scam-nigerians
- https://www.nairaland.com/8538796/verydarkman-accuses-blord-selling-fake
- https://www.facebook.com/linus.williams.811787/videos/15-million-naira-worth-of-iphones-goods-don-land-place-orders-now-lets-ship-to-y/2203681753487553/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=Yg1vn0umITOrWQ3A
- https://www.facebook.com/100067092048974/videos/blord-no-whyne-yourself-biko-/2385027795246840/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=1Dk8wT1e0xhzB9XO
- https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10233767470703197&id=1074235180&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=jwihpkqcZoIxxfcl#
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