“They Want To Silence Us:” VDM Reacts To EFCC Probe Over Alleged Terror Financing

Social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Martins Vincent Otse (VDM), has reacted strongly after reports emerged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is considering an investigation into him and activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju over alleged terror financing and illicit funding networks.

The development follows a petition submitted to the anti-graft agency on June 17, 2026, by legal practitioner Blessing Agbomhere, who called for a detailed probe into the financial activities, funding sources, and sponsorship structures behind the public engagements and advocacy campaigns of both individuals.

Agbomhere, who is also the Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission, urged the EFCC to investigate whether there were any suspicious funding patterns linked to protests, media appearances, legal interventions, and other mobilisation activities carried out by the duo. He further suggested that such scrutiny was necessary to ensure compliance with financial regulations and anti–money laundering laws.

The petition also raised concerns about possible national security implications, arguing that covert funding channels have in some cases been used to influence political narratives and weaken state institutions. However, the petitioner stressed that the request should not be interpreted as an accusation of guilt, insisting that the aim was to ensure transparency and accountability.

Reacting to the development, VDM dismissed the allegations, describing them as a deliberate attempt to silence critics of the government. In a strongly worded response, he alleged that the petition was politically motivated and aimed at discouraging him and others from speaking out against bad governance and insecurity in the country.

“They want to silence us,” VDM said, claiming that the petitioners were uncomfortable with the growing influence and turnout of citizens supporting reform-oriented protests and advocacy campaigns. He further alleged that their activities were being misrepresented as terrorism-related in order to discredit their movement.

ALSO READ: Edo Kidnap Suspect Claims Gang Rented Guns From Community Security Chief

According to him, the allegations stem from efforts to undermine public criticism of the government, insisting that their activism is peaceful and driven by concerns over national issues such as insecurity, kidnapping, and poor governance.

The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement confirming whether a formal investigation has been launched.