By Gloria Drealomalicha
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been urged to investigate activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations relating to terror financing, questionable funding sources and other potential national security concerns.
The call for an investigation follows a petition submitted to the anti-graft agency by legal practitioner Blessing Agbomhere, who requested a comprehensive review of the financial activities, sponsorship arrangements and sources of funding linked to the two prominent public figures.
In the petition dated 17 June 2026, Agbomhere, the principal partner at Blessing Agbomhere and Partners, asked the EFCC to scrutinise the funding behind various advocacy campaigns, media appearances, protests, legal interventions and public mobilisation efforts associated with Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan.
According to the lawyer, the scale and consistency of their public engagements warrant regulatory scrutiny to ensure compliance with financial regulations, anti-money laundering laws and other statutory requirements.
He urged the commission to determine whether funds used to support their activities originated from lawful and transparent sources and whether all obligations relating to taxation, financial disclosures and regulatory compliance had been met.
While acknowledging that advocacy, activism and civic engagement are rights protected under Nigeria’s Constitution, Agbomhere argued that the financing of large-scale campaigns aimed at influencing public opinion and government policies raises legitimate questions that merit investigation.
The petition also highlighted what the petitioner described as potential national security concerns. Agbomhere noted that, in some jurisdictions, covert funding mechanisms have been used by both domestic and foreign interests to influence political narratives, shape public discourse and weaken public institutions.
As a result, 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 Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan.
He further requested a forensic examination of their income streams, assets, bank accounts, funding arrangements, corporate interests, trusts, foundations and affiliated platforms.
The lawyer also urged investigators to examine any possible indicators of money laundering, unlawful fundraising, tax evasion, foreign financial interference, terror financing and other economic or financial crimes where applicable.
In addition, Agbomhere called for collaboration between the EFCC and relevant intelligence, security, financial regulatory and anti-corruption agencies to determine whether the source, movement or utilisation of any funds connected to the activities of the two men poses a threat to national security.
However, he emphasised that the petition should not be interpreted as an allegation of criminal wrongdoing against either individual.
According to him, the request is intended to enable the EFCC to exercise its statutory investigative powers in the interest of transparency, accountability and public confidence.
He added that if any investigation establishes that all funds were lawfully obtained and properly utilised, such findings would help address public concerns and strengthen confidence in the integrity of those involved.
Agbomhere expressed confidence that the EFCC would give the matter prompt attention, citing its potential implications for financial accountability, public trust and national security.
Leave a Reply