ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly set to launch a probe into activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, following a formal petition alleging involvement in illicit funding networks and potential national security risks.

The Petitioner’s Claims

The investigation stems from a June 17, 2026, petition submitted by legal practitioner Blessing Agbomhere. In the document, Agbomhere, principal partner at Blessing Agbomhere and Partners, requested that the anti-graft agency conduct a comprehensive audit of the funding sources, sponsorship arrangements, and overall financial activities of both public figures.

Agbomhere’s petition raises several key concerns regarding the financial transparency of the duo's activities, including:

  • Advocacy and Protests: Scrutiny over the funding behind large-scale media campaigns, public protests, and legal interventions.

  • Compliance: Verification of adherence to anti-money laundering laws, tax obligations, and financial disclosure requirements.

  • National Security: Investigation into whether foreign or domestic actors are using covert funding to influence political narratives or undermine state institutions.

Request for Forensic Scrutiny

The petitioner has urged the EFCC to go beyond a surface-level review, calling for a "forensic examination" of the duo's assets, bank accounts, corporate entities, and associated platforms. Agbomhere specifically requested that the Commission:

    1. Verify if funding for their public activities originates from lawful and transparent sources.

    2. Collaborate with other intelligence and security agencies to determine if any financial activities pose a threat to national stability.

    3. Probe for potential indicators of money laundering, unlawful fundraising, or foreign financial interference.

Purpose of the Investigation

While the petition calls for an aggressive investigative approach, Agbomhere emphasized that the filing should not be interpreted as a formal allegation of criminal guilt against Adeyanju or VeryDarkMan. Instead, he argued that the request is intended to exercise the EFCC’s statutory powers in the interest of accountability and public transparency.

"If investigations establish that all funds were lawfully acquired and properly utilised, such findings would help dispel public concerns and reinforce confidence in the integrity of the individuals involved," Agbomhere noted.

The EFCC has not yet released an official statement regarding the timeline for the commencement of the investigation. As of now, neither Adeyanju nor VeryDarkMan has issued a formal public response to the allegations outlined in the petition.