Nigerian tech entrepreneur and cryptocurrency investor, known publicly as BLord, has revealed that he hired a teenage hacker responsible for stealing USD 1.2 million (Naira equivalent unspecified) from one of his application platforms early in his career.
Speaking at the SMFest Awka 2025 event, the businessman explained that he turned the apprehension of the young cyber-attacker into a recruitment opportunity, a decision he claimed was a strategic move for enhancing his company’s security infrastructure.
“I lost $1.2 million to hackers on one of my apps,” BLord told the audience during his address. “I caught one of the hackers, and instead of handing him over to the police, I employed him to work for me.”
The account of the theft and subsequent employment of the “very small boy,” who reportedly hacked the application with surprising ease, sparked immediate debate among attendees and online commentators. Many praised the move as a demonstration of smart business acumen, likening the decision to global ethical hacking recruitment practices.
However, the narrative has been met with skepticism by others. Critics referenced the entrepreneur’s public history, which includes past controversies regarding allegations of crypto-related misconduct and investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)—allegations which BLord has previously denied. Some suggested the public confession could be a calculated effort to reposition his public image.
Despite the divided reaction, the disclosure has placed BLord at the center of a renewed public discussion concerning cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the complex task of identifying and leveraging young tech talent in the region.
