Nigerian social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), known for calling out scams, has launched into the gadget game with a bold twist on the ongoing iPhone controversy. Fresh off a trip to China—where he claims to have visited shady workshops churning out "upgraded" phones—he's back in Nigeria flaunting his new venture: sourcing and selling affordable, cosmetically enhanced iPhones that mimic the latest models, but at prices that undercut shady resellers.
The Backstory: From China Trip to Business Launch
VDM's phone hustle stems from his viral clash with tech entrepreneur Blord earlier this month. Blord showcased an "upgraded" iPhone XR repackaged as an iPhone 17 Pro Max, pricing it at ₦450,000 (about $270 USD). VDM fired back with videos from Chinese factories, exposing how old XR models get new casings, screens, and batteries slapped on to pass as cutting-edge 17 Pros— all for just ₦280,000 shipped to Nigeria (around $170 USD, including delivery). He slammed Blord for allegedly ripping off buyers with a massive ₦170,000 markup, calling it "extortion in the name of business."
Now, landing back home, VDM's flipping the script. In fresh social media clips, he's unboxing his own stock of these "upgraded" devices, positioning his business as the transparent alternative: same China-sourced mods, but sold straight-up without the hype or hidden fees. "Why pay premium for a fake when you can get the glow-up for less?" he quipped in one post, showing off sleek 17 Pro-lookalikes running XR guts.
Why It's Blowing Up: Risks, Realities, and the Nigerian Flex
This isn't just drama—it's a wake-up call on Nigeria's wild smartphone market, where status symbols trump specs. Critics dub these mods "old engine, new body," warning of malware risks, tampered chips, and zero Apple warranty. VDM's business promises "what you see is what you get," but he's urging buyers to verify model numbers (XR's A2105 vs. 17's A3090) in settings to avoid duds.
Social media's split: Some hail VDM as a consumer hero exposing Blord's "deception," while others roast the whole trend as fueling Nigeria's materialism obsession—why chase a fake 17 Pro when a real mid-range Android slays for less? Blord clapped back, defending his prices as covering "quality checks and logistics." Apple fans are raging, with calls for the tech giant to "arrest" modders.
VDM's entry? It's got Naija Twitter on fire, blending activism with entrepreneurship. Follow @thatverydarkman for drops—his China hauls are landing weekly. Is this the future of affordable flexing, or just more smoke and mirrors? Drop your take below.
Quick Tips Before You Buy:
| Check This | Why It Matters | VDM's Hack |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number (Settings > General > About) | Confirms if it's XR or real 17 | Screenshot before shipping |
| Serial Number on Apple Site | Spots fakes/tampering | Free tool, no excuses |
| Price vs. Source | ₦280k from China vs. ₦450k resell | Shop direct, save stacks |
| Battery/Screen Test | Mods can glitch fast | Run diagnostics app |
#VeryDarkMan #PhoneBusiness #iPhoneUpgrade #ChinaToNigeria #FakeiPhone17
VeryDarkMan shows off his phone business, upgraded XR to 17 Pro, landed from China to Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/idlB8G2Fcs
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 13, 2025
