VeryDarkMan Alleges EFCC Plans to Publish Mugshot With Money Laundering Charges

Social commentator and activist, VeryDarkMan, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is preparing to release his mugshot with money laundering and tax evasion charges attached to it.

The 31-year-old made the claim in a recent Instagram post following his release from EFCC custody on Wednesday after spending five days in detention. He was arrested last week after accompanying his mother to a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Abuja to resolve a case of unauthorised withdrawals from her account.

His arrest sparked nationwide outrage, with political figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar condemning the action as a violation of human rights and due process. Music star Davido also voiced support, describing the backlash as proof of the impact of genuine activism.

In its official statement, the EFCC said VeryDarkMan was detained over multiple petitions accusing him of financial misconduct. The agency also claimed he had failed to honour several invitations prior to his arrest.

While acknowledging what he described as a budding “friendship” with the anti-graft agency, VeryDarkMan warned that publishing a mugshot with a “money laundering” label would damage that relationship.

“EFCC, you know we are starting a friendship,” he said. “But there will be a problem if my picture is released and it has ‘money laundering’ written on it. You’ll have to prove that to Nigerians. If not, it shows you frame people.”

He added that while he has no issue with tax evasion charges being listed, tagging him with money laundering is unacceptable.

“If you don’t remove it, fine—you’re the government. But don’t put what isn’t true,” he said.