Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has alleged an attempt to silence critics of the Federal Government after a petition seeking an investigation into his financial activities and those of lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju surfaced online
The petition, dated June 11, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was submitted by Abuja-based lawyer Blessing Agbomhere.
It requests a probe into the sources of funds, financial dealings, sponsorship arrangements and related activities of both men.
According to the document, Agbomhere urged the anti-graft agency to examine whether funds used in supporting their advocacy campaigns, public mobilization efforts, protests, legal interventions and media engagements were obtained through lawful and transparent means.
The petition argues that the scale and frequency of the activities carried out by the duo raise questions about the origin of the resources funding them. It also calls for scrutiny of their bank accounts, corporate entities, associates, funding arrangements and possible foreign support.
Among other requests, the lawyer asked the EFCC to determine whether any aspect of their financial dealings indicates money laundering, unlawful enrichment, tax evasion, undisclosed foreign funding or other financial crimes.
He further urged the commission to collaborate with security and intelligence agencies to assess whether any national security concerns could arise from the source or use of funds linked to their operations.
However, the petition states that it does not seek to establish criminal liability against either individual but rather calls for an investigation in the interest of transparency, accountability and public confidence.
Reacting to the development, VeryDarkMan dismissed the allegations and suggested the move was politically motivated.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, the activist claimed that some individuals within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were uncomfortable with his criticism of government policies and failures.
“They want to stop us from speaking against this evil government that has failed to protect the lives of Nigerians,” he wrote.
The activist further alleged that the petition was inspired by the growing support for protests and advocacy campaigns demanding reforms and better governance.
“They are claiming we are fighting against bad governance and therefore we are being sponsored. They need to investigate us because our protest is so organised and organic. They are surprised by the turnout of Nigerians that want change,” he said.
VeryDarkMan also identified Agbomhere as the petitioner and alleged that the lawyer is affiliated with the APC, though no official statement from the ruling party had been issued on the matter as of the time of filing this report.
The controversy has since generated debate on social media, with supporters of the activists describing the petition as an attempt to intimidate government critics, while others argue that public figures who mobilise large-scale campaigns should be open to scrutiny regarding their sources of funding.
Neither the EFCC nor Deji Adeyanju had publicly responded to the petition at the time this report was compiled.