EFCC Set to Probe VeryDarkMan, Deji Adeyanju Over Alleged Terror Financing, Illicit Funding Networks

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to investigate activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations relating to terror financing, illicit funding networks and other potential national security concerns .

The probe follows a petition submitted to the anti-graft agency on June 17, 2026, by legal practitioner Blessing Agbomhere, who requested a comprehensive investigation into the sources of funds, sponsorship arrangements and financial activities of the two public figures .

Agbomhere urged the EFCC to scrutinise the funding behind their advocacy campaigns, protests, legal interventions, media engagements and public mobilisation activities . 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 .

The petition also raised potential national security concerns, noting that covert funding arrangements have in some jurisdictions been used by domestic and foreign actors to influence political narratives and undermine state institutions . Agbomhere requested a forensic examination of their income sources, assets, bank accounts, corporate entities, trusts and affiliated platforms .

Agbomhere, who was appointed Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission by Governor Monday Okpebholo in October 2025, stressed that the petition should not be interpreted as an allegation of criminal guilt against either individual.

He argued that the investigation is intended to ensure transparency and accountability, adding that if all funds are found to be lawfully acquired, it would help dispel public concerns .