News
Exclusive: GTBank accused of conspiring with SportyBet to defraud customers
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and an online sports betting platform, SportyBet Nigeria, have been accused of conspiring to withdraw funds from bank customers’ accounts.
The latest victim of this development was a customer of the bank, Baruwa Oladayo Hassan, who accused the Bodija, Ibadan branch of the bank of aiding an unauthorized withdrawal of N500,000.00 from his account by the betting company.
Baruwa told MegaIcon Magazine that he was at the GTBank branch located along UI-Ojoo road to make a transaction at its Automated Teller Machine (ATM) when he received two surprising debit alerts amounting to N500,000.
His words: “On Friday, July 2nd, 2021, I was at GTBank in front of the University of Ibadan main gate. I wanted to withdraw money from the ATM. While I was processing the transaction, I saw one OTP code (One-time password) sent to my phone, but I don’t know what it is all about, so I ignored it, and I continued with my transaction on the ATM. Surprisingly, a minute after I had made the withdrawal, still around the banking premises, I received an unauthorized debit alert of N100 first around 2:03 PM on Friday, with transaction details: – – PG-SP-ORT/PAY LANGSTAN 9999148678 , at the same spot, I got another debit alert of N499,900.00 instantly, also with transaction details: – -PG-SP ORTY/AY LANGSTAN 9999150119.”
He said he rushed into the banking hall to complain but was treated shabbily by the branch manager and his customer service attendants.
“Since last week Friday (July 2nd, 2021), I am yet to get any good response from GTBank,” he lamented. “They cannot expect me to keep quiet; half a million naira isn’t a joke; this is unfair”.
The victim, a graduate of the University of Ibadan (UI), operates a Business Centre in the city. He swore he had no knowledge of betting and had never operated any account with any betting platform, including SportyBet Nigeria.
He continued: “I was amazed because that was not the transaction I made. I entered the banking hall immediately to register my complaint. I approached one of the staff, who checked the transaction on the system. He told me that the money was transferred to one SportyBet. In my life, I have never engaged in betting. So, when I told the staff to continue searching for the money, at least, since he had identified where the money entered.
“Another female staff later joined the staff, and they placed a call to one of the customer care representatives of SportyBet (07008888888) , and the person replied that it is only GTBank that can rectify it. But, the bank feels adamant and unconcerned about the development. The staff declared that the bank could not do anything about the unauthorized transaction. That was on Friday”.
Speaking further, the victim explained that around 5:06 PM on that same Friday, he received a credit alert of a N264.99 refund out of his N500,000. He said the refund transaction email reads: transaction details: |SportyPay refunded Paystack Finance Refund|||Paystack, but he was unable to return to the bank to give updates because it was late. The bank had already closed for the day.
Baruwa accused the bank of desperately trying to twist the story and blaming him for being reckless with his ATM card, to avoid taking responsibility for the loss.
He added: “Funny enough, the bank accused me of being careless with my ATM Card, suggesting that I might have used it with POS, which is not correct, I did not make use of POS in recent times. Immediately I got the debit alert I met with the staff and they asked for my ATM card and phone, which I do use to receive a transaction alert.
“Fortunately, my ATM Card and phone were with me, so I don’t know why they were telling lies that maybe I exposed my card carelessly”, he added.
When asked about the steps taken thus far, Baruwa said, “On Monday, I went to GTBank at UI main gate again to explain to the Manager what my experience was, but he told me that they cannot do anything on the issue. I am psychologically down. I am yet to get myself together as I am talking now because the money isn’t meant for me. On Tuesday, I also visited the bank.
“All that the Branch Manager could do was to refer me to the Operational Manager. They were just tossing me around as he (Operational Manager) directed me to go to the Police station and register my complaint. Immediately, I left the bank for Sango Police Station, where I met an officer who demanded that I pay a certain amount of money before he could embark on any investigation.
“I don’t have money to sort the officer. Please, I want a thorough investigation into this matter. I have been using the bank for over 10 years; I am even surprised that GTBank can do this to me. I know that the money is not safe at home; that was why I brought it to GTBank, and I gave them my trust. They have compromised the trust I gave them. Honestly, I now doubt the bank’s sincerity.
“I am bewildered that a reputable bank that is supposed to trace the unauthorized transaction which came with reference number failed to do the needful, only to apportion unnecessary blames. I expected GTBank to track the final destination of the money. At least from there, they can continue their investigations. But they wanted to shy away from their responsibility. People are now on my neck asking for their money. Where will I get the money to pay these people? I am just a graduate hustling to make a living through my Business Centre. I doubt if GTBank is trustworthy again”, he cried.
Warning fellow customers of the bank to be more vigilant and as well monitor their accounts regularly, he said: “For now, Nigerians need to be careful because we don’t know who is next. I have also heard and read similar nasty experiences, yet the bank has not been doing anything to curtail the situation. The fact is that our money is no longer safe with GTBank.
Continuing, the customer’s statement of account obtained on Tuesday, 13th July 2021, also established the unauthorized transactions.
Checks by Mega Icon Magazine revealed that Baruwa is not the only victim as other GTBank customers had shared the same awful experiences.
On visiting an online complaints platform, https://complaintsdb.com/business/sportybet-nigeria-47923), it was discovered that some customers banking with GTBank had lost monies to the betting platform through fraudulent withdrawals from unauthorized transactions without their permission or consent.
On 7th June 2021, Ejike Chukwualuka Geraldine wrote, “I lost the sum of 500k via my GTBANK account to SPORTYPAY, which I was hearing of for the first time. God bear me witness if GTBANK does not refund me my money and fish out the guy who did this to me, that bank will fold unless God doesn’t exist. People are complaining about this yet GTbank still approves payment for it. It is either Gtbank works hand in hand with them, but I’m sure something fishy is going on. Our money is no longer safe with GTBANK. I almost became suicidal. I suffered to save that money, and yet Gtbank staff treated me like an idiot”, it read in part.
In a related development, on 17th May 2021, another victim, also a GTBank customer, Stanley Ala Halliday lamented that the sum of One hundred and eighty-three thousand naira N183,000.00 was withdrawn from his account by Sportybet without his consent.
“The sum of One hundred and eighty-three thousand naira was hacked by someone from sporty bet organization. On the 14th of May last week. A number called me at +85665149020, immediately I picked the call the whole of my account was wiped within 10 seconds. Pls, I’m begging for something to be done. Please in the name of God”, the victim submitted.
Baruwa, however, called on the EFCC, CBN, human rights organizations, NGOs, Corporate Affairs Commissioners (CAC), among others to intervene in the matter. He also vowed to explore other legal means to have his money refunded.
It was further alleged that SportyBet is using SportyPay as a payment gateway.
Efforts made by Mega Icon Magazine to reach GTBank for comments were unsuccessful.
Even, Mr Ayobami Ladipo,who is said to be the spokesperson of the bank, when contacted yesterday (Tuesday) via his cellphone number and WhatsApp, promised to call back but has not called as of the time of filing this report
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has mourned the death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo, popularly known as Able, describing his demise as a painful loss to the progressive family.
Oladipupo, who represented Ibadan North-West Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, was widely regarded as a grassroots politician and committed party loyalist until his passing.
Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, said the late politician’s death had created a vacuum within the party and among those who benefitted from his unwavering commitment to public service.
In a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the federal lawmaker described the late Oladipupo as a dependable progressive, humble political actor and loyal party stalwart whose impact would remain indelible.
He said the deceased dedicated his life to serving humanity, strengthening the progressive movement and supporting the aspirations of many at the grassroots.
Oseni said, “The death of Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo (Able) came to me as a rude shock. Oyo State and the progressive family have indeed lost a committed, loyal and selfless leader whose passion for service, humility and dedication to the people stood him out.
“He was not just a politician but a bridge-builder, a dependable ally and a grassroots mobiliser who believed strongly in the ideals of our great party. His contributions to the growth of the APC in Oyo State and his service to humanity will remain unforgettable.”
The APC senatorial candidate noted that the late former lawmaker remained steadfast in promoting peace, unity and political development, adding that his simplicity and accessibility endeared him to many across political divides.
According to Oseni, the late politician’s legacy of service and sacrifice would continue to inspire younger politicians and party faithful.
He, however, urged members of the APC, associates and family members of the deceased to take solace in the remarkable life he lived and the positive impact he made during his lifetime.
Oseni also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
State governors have proposed a new national minimum wage of N100,000 for Nigerian workers as part of efforts to cushion them from the biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), disclosed the proposal on Saturday in a post by the state government’s official Facebook page. He said the move aims to improve workers’ welfare while ensuring that government finances remain sustainable.
“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” AbdulRazaq said.
“We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances.”
The NGF chairman explained that ongoing discussions are focused on balancing the need to boost workers’ purchasing power with the capacity of governments to deliver essential public services and development projects.
“The goal is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain projects that directly impact citizens,” he added.
The proposed N100,000 minimum wage is expected to intensify national debates on salaries, inflation, and broader economic reforms as Nigerians continue to contend with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses.
Currently, Nigeria’s statutory minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month. Some states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Imo, are already paying above the national benchmark to support workers amid the country’s economic challenges.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has continued to call for a comprehensive review of salaries, insisting that workers deserve a living wage that reflects present-day economic realities rather than merely guaranteeing survival.
The average retail price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, rose to N1,532.93 per litre in April 2026, representing a 23.69 per cent increase compared to the N1,239.33 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, findings by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have shown.
The sharp rise in petrol prices came amid mounting inflationary pressure and worsening living costs, with Nigerians grappling with soaring transportation and food expenses that have continued to shrink household purchasing power.
The NBS disclosed this in its Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for April 2026, released on Friday.
The report further showed that on a month-on-month basis, petrol prices rose by 18.97 per cent from N1,288.54 recorded in March 2026, underscoring persistent volatility in the downstream petroleum market.
A breakdown of prices across states revealed that Yobe recorded the highest average retail price for petrol at N1,599.05 per litre during the review period.
Edo and Bauchi followed closely with average prices of N1,595.74 and N1,589.07, respectively.
However, Niger residents paid the least for petrol at an average of N1,403.89 per litre, while Sokoto and Katsina recorded N1,404.16 and N1,406.28 respectively.
At the zonal level, the South-South recorded the highest average retail price at N1,566.76 per litre, while the North-West posted the lowest at N1,508.81.
The latest petrol price increase comes as millions of Nigerians continue to battle the ripple effects of rising inflation, with higher energy costs worsening transportation fares and the prices of essential commodities.
Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as cooking gas, rose by 13.73 per cent month-on-month to N8,706.93 in April 2026 from N7,655.73 recorded in March.
On a year-on-year basis, the price increased by 10.42 per cent from N7,885.60 recorded in April 2025.
Lagos recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,745.10, followed by Nasarawa at N9,451.70 and Bayelsa at N9,422.74.
In contrast, Anambra recorded the lowest average price at N7,204.76, while Ondo and Ogun followed with N7,239.49 and N7,825.75, respectively.
At the regional level, the North-West recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,025.07, followed by the North-East at N8,847.16, while the South-East posted the lowest average price at N8,224.37.
Also, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas increased by 13.89 per cent month-on-month to N22,382.20 in April 2026 from N19,652.83 in March.
Compared to April 2025, the price rose by 10.43 per cent from N20,268.06.
According to the NBS LPG Price Watch for April, Katsina recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N25,596.71, followed by Kogi at N24,558.25 and Gombe at N24,438.97.
Ogun recorded the lowest average price at N19,564.36, while Bauchi and Anambra followed at N20,178.87 and N20,511.90 respectively.
The North-West recorded the highest zonal average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N23,276.95, followed by the North-Central at N22,865.29, while the South-East posted the lowest average at N21,060.92.
The latest figures signal growing pressure on household energy costs, raising concerns over the implications for inflation and the cost of living in the coming months.
-
News1 week agoEid: Oseni Calls for Vigilance, Lauds Security Operatives
-
Politics7 days agoAlli, Folarin, Adedeji, Oseni, Dare Named to APC Ekiti Re-election Campaign Team
-
News1 week agoOyo Abduction: SWEGOP Demands Swift Rescue of Pupils, Teachers
-
Politics1 week ago
2027: Sowore Declares War on Corruption, Clinches AAC Presidential Ticket
