Activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, have been dragged to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged terror financing, illicit funding networks and other potential national security concerns.

A petition submitted by legal practitioner Blessing Agbomhere requested the anti-graft agency to undertake a comprehensive probe into the sources of funds, sponsorship arrangements and financial activities of the two public figures.

In the petition dated June 17, 2026, Agbomhere, principal partner at Blessing Agbomhere and Partners, urged the EFCC to scrutinise the funding behind the advocacy campaigns, media engagements, protests, legal interventions and public mobilisation activities associated with Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan.

According to the petitioner, the scale and frequency of their public engagements warrant closer examination to ensure compliance with financial regulations, anti-money laundering laws and other statutory obligations.

Agbomhere asked the commission to determine whether funds deployed in support of their activities were derived from lawful and transparent sources and whether all relevant obligations relating to taxation, financial disclosures and regulatory compliance had been fulfilled.

While acknowledging that civic engagement and public advocacy are constitutionally protected rights, he argued that the funding of large-scale campaigns directed at government policies and institutions raises legitimate questions deserving of regulatory scrutiny.

The petition also highlighted what Agbomhere described as potential national security concerns. He noted that, in several jurisdictions, covert funding arrangements have at times been used by domestic and foreign actors to influence political narratives, shape public discourse and undermine state institutions.

Consequently, he called on the EFCC to ascertain whether any local or foreign individuals, organisations, foundations, political interests or pressure groups are directly or indirectly financing the activities of the two men.

The lawyer further requested a forensic examination of their income sources, assets, bank accounts, funding arrangements, corporate entities, trusts, foundations and associated platforms.

He also urged investigators to probe possible indicators of money laundering, unlawful fundraising, tax evasion, foreign financial interference, terror financing and other economic or financial crimes where applicable.

Agbomhere called on the EFCC to collaborate with intelligence, security, financial regulatory and anti-corruption agencies to determine whether the source, movement or utilisation of funds connected to the activities of Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan pose any threat to national security.

However, he stressed that the petition should not be interpreted as an allegation of criminal guilt against either individual.

According to him, the request is aimed at enabling the EFCC to exercise its statutory investigative powers in the interest of transparency, accountability and public confidence.

He added that 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 expressed confidence that the EFCC would give the petition urgent attention, citing its potential implications for financial accountability, public trust and national security. (Adapted from a report by The Guardian)

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