The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to investigate activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations relating to terror financing, illicit funding networks, and other potential threats to national security.
The probe follows a formal petition submitted by legal practitioner Blessing Agbomhere, who called on the anti graft agency to conduct a comprehensive review of the sources of funds, sponsorship arrangements, and financial activities of the two individuals. In the petition dated June 17 2026, Agbomhere, principal partner at Blessing Agbomhere and Partners, urged the commission to examine the financing behind the advocacy campaigns, media engagements, protests, legal interventions, and public mobilisation activities associated with Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan.
The petitioner noted that the scale and frequency of their public activities make it necessary to verify compliance with financial regulations, anti money laundering laws, and other statutory requirements. He specifically asked the EFCC to determine whether the funds supporting these activities were obtained from lawful and transparent sources, and whether all obligations relating to taxation, financial disclosures, and regulatory compliance have been met.
While acknowledging that civic engagement and public advocacy are constitutionally protected rights, Agbomhere argued that the funding of large scale campaigns directed at government policies and institutions deserves legitimate regulatory scrutiny. He also highlighted potential national security implications, pointing out that in several jurisdictions, covert funding arrangements have sometimes been used by both domestic and foreign actors to influence political narratives, shape public discourse, and undermine state institutions.
The lawyer therefore requested the EFCC to establish whether any local or foreign individuals, organisations, foundations, political interests, or pressure groups are directly or indirectly financing the activities of the two men. He further called for a forensic examination of their income sources, assets, bank accounts, funding arrangements, corporate entities, trusts, foundations, and associated platforms.
Agbomhere urged investigators to check for any possible indicators of money laundering, unlawful fundraising, tax evasion, foreign financial interference, terror financing, or other economic and financial crimes. He encouraged the commission to collaborate with intelligence, security, financial regulatory, and anti corruption agencies to assess whether the source, movement, or utilisation of the funds connected to Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan poses any risk to national security.
The petitioner however stressed that the request should not be viewed as an accusation of criminal guilt against either individual. According to him, the petition aims to enable the EFCC to exercise its statutory powers in the interest of transparency, accountability, and public confidence. He added that if investigations confirm that all funds were lawfully acquired and properly utilised, the findings would help dispel public concerns and reinforce trust in the integrity of the individuals involved.
Agbomhere expressed confidence that the EFCC would accord the petition the urgent attention it deserves, given its potential implications for financial accountability, public trust, and national security.
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