DSS quizzes VeryDarkMan over leaked coup trial pideo, EFCC to probe funding sources

Popular social media influencer and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been questioned by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a leaked video linked to an ongoing coup plot trial.

The development followed an order by the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Joyce Abdulmalik directed an investigation into how restricted court footage found its way into the public domain.

The video, which formed part of the evidence in the trial of individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu, reportedly surfaced on VeryDarkMan’s social media platforms despite an existing court restriction on its circulation.

During proceedings held on June 23 and 24, 2026, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the footage was being circulated online, prompting concerns over a possible breach of court directives.

Speaking after the interrogation, VeryDarkMan disclosed via his Instagram page that he spent several hours at the DSS office answering questions before he was released in the early hours of the morning.

“I got home around 2 a.m. this morning after spending hours at the DSS office, where I was interrogated and investigated over a video I posted four days ago,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been urged to investigate VeryDarkMan and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju over allegations relating to terror financing, questionable funding sources and other financial concerns.

The request was contained in a petition submitted by lawyer Blessing Agbomhere, who called on the anti-graft agency to scrutinise the sources of funds used for the duo’s advocacy campaigns, protests, legal actions and media activities.

In the petition dated June 17, 2026, Agbomhere asked the EFCC to determine whether the funds financing their activities were obtained through lawful and transparent means.

He also requested a review of their compliance with tax obligations, financial reporting requirements and other regulatory provisions.

According to him, the scale of their public engagements warrants closer scrutiny to rule out any potential violations of financial regulations or links to undisclosed sponsors.

The petition further raised concerns about possible security implications, arguing that certain funding channels could be used to influence public opinion or undermine confidence in state institutions.

Agbomhere urged the EFCC to investigate whether any local or foreign entities are sponsoring their activities and to examine their bank accounts, assets, business interests and affiliated organisations for possible cases of money laundering, unlawful fundraising or tax evasion.

He also called on the commission to collaborate with relevant security and financial agencies in assessing whether any aspect of the funding poses a threat to national security.

However, the lawyer stressed that the petition should not be interpreted as an allegation of guilt against either Adeyanju or VeryDarkMan but rather as a request for due investigation and transparency.

He maintained that if the probe establishes that all funds were lawfully acquired and utilised, it would help clear public doubts and strengthen confidence in their activities.

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