The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to commence an investigation into activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations bordering on terror financing, suspected illicit funding channels, and other national security concerns. The probe follows a petition submitted to the anti-graft agency on June 17, 2026, by lawyer Blessing Agbomhere.
Who is behind the petition calling for this investigation?
Lawyer Blessing Agbomhere filed the petition on June 17, 2026. He urged the EFCC to examine the funding sources behind the duo’s activism, public protests, legal interventions, and media-driven advocacy campaigns. Agbomhere is not an unknown figure – he was appointed Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission by Governor Monday Okpebholo in October 2025.
What specific allegations are being raised against the duo?
The petition calls for a comprehensive forensic audit of their bank accounts, assets, income streams, and affiliated corporate entities to determine compliance with Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws and financial regulations. Agbomhere argued that while civic activism is constitutionally protected, the scale and reach of their campaigns raise questions that warrant scrutiny, particularly in light of concerns that hidden funding channels could be exploited by domestic or foreign actors to influence political narratives and undermine state institutions.
The petitioner further urged the EFCC to collaborate with intelligence and security agencies in determining whether any of the funds linked to the individuals pose risks to national security or fall within illicit financial networks.
Why is this investigation significant for both men?
Deji Adeyanju is a well-known human rights lawyer and activist who has been fighting for human rights for nearly 30 years. He has been detained multiple times, received support from international organisations like DefendDefenders, and recently became a practicing lawyer after studying law. He was also appointed to the Board of the Katutu Civil Rights Center, an international civil rights organisation headquartered in New York, in May 2026.
Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) is a prominent social media personality known for his activism and public commentary. The investigation could have significant implications for both men’s public standing and activities.
How does the petitioner frame this request?
Agbomhere clarified that the petition does not amount to an accusation of guilt. He stressed that the investigation is intended to ensure transparency and accountability. According to him, a clean outcome would ultimately reinforce public confidence in both individuals.
The EFCC is expected to act on the petition in line with its statutory mandate, although the commission has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
5 key takeaways from the EFCC investigation into Deji Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan.
1. The investigation stems from a single petition – not a security service report. The probe was triggered by a petition from Blessing Agbomhere, not by an intelligence report from the DSS or the police. This means the EFCC is responding to a citizen’s complaint, not acting on its own initiative.
2. The allegations focus on funding sources for activism and advocacy. The petition specifically targets the financial backing behind public protests, legal interventions, and media campaigns. The concern is that hidden funding could be used to influence political narratives.
3. The petitioner explicitly stated that the investigation is not an accusation of guilt. Agbomhere made it clear that the petition is about transparency and accountability – not about declaring either man guilty. He argued that a clean outcome would clear the air.
4. Deji Adeyanju has documented international ties and support. Adeyanju has received support from DefendDefenders and was appointed to the board of an international civil rights organisation in New York. These international connections may be relevant to the investigation.
5. The EFCC has not publicly confirmed or denied the investigation. As of the time of the report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement. The public is waiting for the commission’s formal response.
How this affects the activists and the public.
i. The investigation could disrupt the advocacy work of both men. A forensic audit is intrusive. It could freeze accounts, distract from activism, and create legal uncertainty.
ii. The probe raises questions about the limits of activism in Nigeria. Activists are now on notice: their funding sources may be scrutinised. This could have a chilling effect on civil society.
iii. The investigation could set a precedent for other activists. If the EFCC proceeds with this probe, other activists may also face similar scrutiny.
iv. The public should not rush to judgment. The investigation is at the petition stage. No evidence of wrongdoing has been presented. Both men are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
v. The outcome will determine the credibility of the process. If the investigation is transparent and fair, it will reinforce public confidence. If it is seen as politically motivated, it will undermine trust in the EFCC.
Advice from this analyst.
1. To the EFCC: conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. Do not be seen as a tool for political persecution. Your credibility is on the line.
2. To Deji Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan: cooperate fully with the investigation. Provide all requested documents. Transparency is your best defence.
3. To the petitioner, Blessing Agbomhere: you have made your case. Now allow the EFCC to do its work. Do not politicise the process.
4. To the public: wait for the outcome of the investigation. Do not condemn either man based on a petition. Presumption of innocence is a fundamental right.
5. To civil society organisations: monitor the investigation. Ensure that it is conducted fairly and without political interference.
A question to make you reflect.
If a petition can trigger a forensic audit of activists’ finances – and the EFCC has not yet confirmed or denied the investigation – what does that say about the balance between state security and civil liberties in Nigeria?
The answer is delicate. The state has a legitimate interest in preventing terror financing. But activists also have a legitimate right to advocate without fear of harassment. The challenge is to distinguish between genuine security concerns and political persecution. This case will test that distinction.
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Akahi News gathered that the EFCC is set to investigate Deji Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan over allegations of terror financing and illicit funding. The probe follows a petition from lawyer Blessing Agbomhere. The petitioner stressed that the investigation is not an accusation of guilt. The EFCC has not yet issued an official statement. The activists have international ties and support. The public is watching – and waiting.