EFCC Receives Petition Seeking Investigation into Funding Sources of Deji Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan

          
Abuja, Nigeria – June 20, 2026

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has received a petition calling for a comprehensive investigation into the sources of funds, financial activities, and possible national security implications arising from the operations of activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM.

The petition, dated June 11, 2026, was submitted by Blessing Agbomhere, Esq., Principal Partner of Blessing Agbomhere & Partners, and was officially received at the office of the EFCC Executive Chairman on June 18, 2026, according to the acknowledgment stamp on the document.

Concerns Over Funding and Public Activities  

In the petition addressed to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC in Abuja, Agbomhere urged the anti-graft agency to conduct a detailed forensic investigation into the financial dealings, sponsorship arrangements, and sources of income of both individuals.

According to the petitioner, Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan have over time engaged in extensive public advocacy campaigns, media engagements, legal interventions, organized protests, public enlightenment programmes, and other activities that require substantial and sustained financial expenditure.

The petition argues that the scale, frequency, and geographical reach of these activities raise legitimate questions regarding the origin, transparency, and legality of the financial resources allegedly deployed in carrying them out.

National Security Concerns Raised  

Beyond financial accountability, the petition also raises concerns about potential national security implications.

Agbomhere contended that in several countries, covert funding arrangements, indirect sponsorships, and undisclosed financial support have been used to influence public discourse, shape political narratives, and destabilize institutions. He therefore called on authorities to ascertain whether any local or foreign entities may be providing direct or indirect support to the activities of the two public figures.

While acknowledging that civic engagement and democratic participation are constitutionally protected rights, the petitioner maintained that substantial funding of organized public campaigns should be subject to scrutiny to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations.

Requests Made to the EFCC  

The petition specifically requested the Commission to:  

1. Conduct a comprehensive forensic investigation into the sources of income, assets, financial resources, and funding arrangements of Deji Adeyanju and Martins Vincent Otse, VeryDarkMan.  

2. Determine whether all funds received, controlled, expended, solicited, or administered by them were lawfully acquired and properly accounted for.  

3. Investigate bank accounts, corporate entities, foundations, trusts, associations, platforms, agents, and intermediaries linked to their financial activities.  

4. Examine whether any aspects of their financial dealings indicate money laundering, unlawful enrichment, tax evasion, concealment of beneficial ownership, unlawful fundraising, foreign financial interference, or any other economic and financial crimes.  

5. Determine whether foreign governments, organizations, foundations, or individuals have provided direct or indirect funding, logistical support, or material assistance to their activities.  

6. Collaborate with intelligence, security, anti-corruption, and financial regulatory agencies where necessary to evaluate any national security concerns arising from the movement or utilization of funds associated with their operations.  

7. Take additional measures deemed necessary to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system and protect the national interest.

Presumption of Innocence Emphasized 

The petitioner, however, clarified that the petition does not seek to establish criminal liability against the named individuals, but rather requests the exercise of the EFCC’s investigative powers in the interest of transparency, accountability, and public confidence.

Agbomhere stated that if investigations eventually establish that all funds were lawfully acquired and utilized, such findings would help dispel public concerns and reinforce confidence in the integrity of the individuals involved.

Awaiting EFCC Response

As of the time of filing this report, neither the EFCC nor the individuals named in the petition—Deji Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan—had publicly responded to the allegations or the request for investigation.

The development is expected to generate significant public debate, given the prominent roles both men have played in advocacy, public commentary, and civic engagement across Nigeria in recent years.

This report is based on the contents of a petition submitted to the EFCC. The allegations and concerns raised therein remain claims by the petitioner and do not constitute findings of wrongdoing. The individuals named are presumed innocent unless otherwise established by a competent authority.