DSS Questions VeryDarkMan Over Leaked Coup Trial Video as EFCC Receives Petition Seeking Financial Probe

The Department of State Services (DSS) has questioned social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over a leaked video connected to the ongoing coup plot trial involving suspects accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government.

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

The video had been admitted as evidence in the ongoing trial, and the court had earlier restricted its public circulation.

During proceedings on June 23 and June 24, 2026, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the restricted footage was being circulated on VeryDarkMan's social media platforms, contrary to the court's directive.

Reacting to the development on his Instagram page, VeryDarkMan disclosed that he spent several hours at the DSS office undergoing interrogation before being released in the early hours of the following day.

"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 wrote.

EFCC Petition Seeks Financial Investigation

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received a petition requesting an investigation into the financial activities of VeryDarkMan and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju.

The petition, submitted by lawyer Blessing Agbomhere and dated June 17, 2026, called on the anti-graft agency to examine the sources of funding for the duo's advocacy campaigns, media engagements, protests, legal activities, and other public initiatives.

According to the petition, the requested investigation should determine whether the funds used in their activities originate from lawful and transparent sources. It also urged the EFCC to review compliance with tax obligations, financial reporting requirements, and other applicable regulations.

Agbomhere further requested that the commission examine possible local and foreign sponsorships, business affiliations, bank accounts, assets, and organisations connected to the two public figures to determine whether there are any violations of financial laws, including possible money laundering, illegal fundraising, or tax-related offences.

The petition also raised concerns that undisclosed funding channels could potentially be used to influence public opinion or undermine confidence in government institutions, urging the EFCC to collaborate with other security and financial agencies where necessary.

However, the lawyer emphasised that the petition should not be interpreted as an accusation of guilt against either VeryDarkMan or Deji Adeyanju. Instead, he said the request was aimed at ensuring transparency and clearing any public doubts surrounding the funding of their activities.

He added that if investigations establish that all funds were lawfully obtained and properly utilised, such findings would help strengthen public confidence and dispel speculation.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the EFCC nor Deji Adeyanju had publicly commented on the petition, while no charges have been announced in connection with the allegations contained in the petition.