Lawyer petitions EFCC to probe funding sources of Deji Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — A legal practitioner, Blessing Agbomhere, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking an investigation into the sources of funds, financial activities and sponsorship arrangements of activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.

In a petition dated June 11, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Agbomhere urged the anti-graft agency to conduct a comprehensive forensic investigation into the income, assets and funding arrangements of the two public figures.

According to the petitioner, the scale and frequency of advocacy campaigns, media engagements, legal interventions, public enlightenment programmes and mobilisation activities undertaken by Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan have generated public interest regarding the sources and transparency of the funds used to sustain such operations.

Agbomhere argued that in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, substantial financial resources deployed for organised public campaigns and advocacy efforts should be subject to scrutiny to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

He called on the EFCC to determine whether all funds received, controlled, expended or administered by the duo were lawfully acquired and properly accounted for.

The petitioner also requested that the commission investigate bank accounts, corporate entities, foundations, trusts, associations, platforms and intermediaries allegedly linked to their financial activities.

He further asked the EFCC to ascertain whether any aspect of their financial dealings reveals indicators of money laundering, unlawful enrichment, tax evasion, unlawful fundraising, foreign financial interference or other economic and financial crimes.

Agbomhere expressed concern that undisclosed sponsorship arrangements, particularly from foreign interests, could have implications for public confidence and national security.

According to him, authorities should determine whether any local or foreign individuals, organisations, foundations, corporations, political interests or governments are directly or indirectly supporting the activities of the two men.

The petition also urged the EFCC to collaborate with intelligence, security and financial regulatory agencies where necessary to assess any potential national security concerns arising from the source, movement or utilisation of funds associated with their activities.

However, Agbomhere clarified that the petition does not seek to establish criminal liability against Adeyanju or VeryDarkMan.

He stated that the request was intended to promote transparency, accountability and public confidence, adding that a finding that all funds were lawfully acquired and utilised would equally serve the public interest.

The EFCC has yet to publicly respond to the petition as of the time of filing this report.