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Exclusive: GTBank accused of conspiring with SportyBet to defraud customers

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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

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Oyo South: Tegbe, Others Named Oseni Students’ Movement Exco

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A students’ leader, Comrade Tegbe Stephen, has been named Coordinator of the Remi Oseni Students’ Movement ahead of its formal inauguration.

The appointment is part of efforts to strengthen the students’ support base for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo South Senatorial candidate, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, across tertiary institutions in the district.

Also named into the executive are Comrades Wale Ajibike (Bosslee), Isiaka Hammed (General), Salami Olatunji, Adetunji Sultan Adekunle, Oluwatobi Ojo and Onifade Victor.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with student leaders in Ibadan. The meeting was attended by the Oyo South APC Youth Leader, Com. Olalekan Olowe, and Oseni’s Personal Assistant, Com. Ibrahim Alabi, popularly known as “Otunba Poly.”

Addressing the gathering, Olowe described the movement as a platform to mobilise students across Oyo South, urging the newly named executive to live up to the confidence reposed in them.

He said: “Students remain one of the strongest forces in any democratic society. We expect you to build a vibrant movement that will unite your colleagues and advance the vision of Hon. Aderemi Oseni across our campuses.”

Olowe added that the executive would be formally inaugurated in the coming weeks, after which the movement would commence full activities across the senatorial district.

Also speaking, Ibrahim Alabi urged the student leaders to remain committed, united and focused on the responsibility entrusted to them.

“This is a call to service. Your duty is to mobilise, educate and inspire students to play active roles in the democratic process. We believe you have the capacity to justify this confidence,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the executive, Tegbe thanked Oseni and the students’ leadership for the opportunity to serve, assuring them of their commitment to the assignment.

“We appreciate the confidence reposed in us and will not take it for granted. Our resolve is to build a formidable students’ movement across Oyo South and ensure that students on every campus are actively mobilised ahead of the election,” he said.

The formal inauguration of the executive is expected to be held soon.

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Oseni celebrates Oyo APC Publicist,  Sadare, extols loyalty, commitment to progressive cause

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a loyal progressive, effective communicator and committed party stalwart whose contributions have continued to strengthen the party in the state.

Oseni, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said Sadare has remained a consistent and dependable voice of the party, discharging his responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress.

He noted that the Oyo APC spokesman has distinguished himself through responsible public communication, constructive engagement and an enduring commitment to promoting the party’s vision, values and programmes.

According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Sadare’s humility, calm disposition and ability to articulate the party’s position with clarity have earned him the respect of party leaders, members and stakeholders, while also contributing to the unity and stability of the APC in Oyo State.

“Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare is a committed progressive whose loyalty and dedication to our great party have remained steadfast over the years. He has served with uncommon diligence and has continued to project the ideals of the APC with dignity, courage and sincerity,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker added that the publicist’s birthday presents another opportunity to celebrate a man whose service has gone beyond official responsibility, noting that his contributions to strengthening internal cohesion and fostering constructive engagement within the party deserve commendation.

“As you mark another year today, I join your family, friends, political associates and the entire progressive family in celebrating God’s faithfulness in your life. Your commitment to duty, humility and sense of responsibility continue to inspire many within our party.”
Oseni prayed for greater accomplishments for the celebrant, asking Almighty Allah to bless him with good health, wisdom and renewed strength to continue serving the party and humanity.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grants you many more years in sound health, abundant grace and greater accomplishments. May He continue to guide your steps, enlarge your coast and reward your selfless service to our great party, Oyo State and our nation. Happy birthday, and many happy returns.”
The statement added that Oseni wished Sadare a memorable celebration and expressed confidence that his wealth of experience, dedication and leadership would continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the APC and the advancement of progressive politics in Oyo State.

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Oyo lawmaker, Oseni empowers Agbeni traders with ₦50m grant, rallies support for Tinubu

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, on Friday strengthened his grassroots engagement with traders by presenting a ₦50 million business grant to members of the Agbeni Amunigun Traders Association in Ibadan.

The empowerment package is expected to benefit traders across the market, which cuts across Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also donated ₦5 million towards the completion of the association’s secretariat. He further pledged to install solar-powered streetlights within the market to improve security and make the business environment more conducive.

Speaking during an interactive meeting with the association’s leaders, executives and representatives of its 15 zones, the lawmaker described traders as key drivers of the local economy, saying they deserved continuous support to grow their businesses and improve their standard of living.

He also appealed to the traders to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the economic reforms introduced by the administration would deliver lasting benefits for the country.

“The decisions taken by President Tinubu were difficult, but they were necessary. Today, fuel queues are gone, states and local governments receive higher allocations, and more resources are available for infrastructure, education, healthcare and other development projects, including the regular payment of salaries,” he said.

Oseni highlighted ongoing road rehabilitation projects, interventions in the health sector, agricultural support initiatives and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as some of the programmes making a difference under the current administration.

He noted that the student loan scheme had opened up access to higher education for many young Nigerians, while other economic reforms were laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Oseni promised that if elected to represent Oyo South in the Senate in 2027, he would facilitate an interest-free revolving loan scheme for traders. He said the programme would be jointly managed by the market leadership and a reputable microfinance bank to ensure genuine traders had access to affordable credit.

“I will continue to support policies and programmes that help small and medium-scale businesses thrive because traders remain the engine of our economy. My goal is to create opportunities that will help your businesses expand and improve the welfare of your families,” he said, assuring the association that the requests presented to him would receive prompt attention.

Earlier, the Babaloja of the market, Alhaji Abdul-Latifu Abdulganiyu; the Baale, Alhaji Muniru Oladayo; the General Chairman of the market, Alhaji Nureni Lawal; the Iyaloja’s representative, Alhaja Basirat Owolanwa; and the youth representative, Alhaji Adeyinka Basiru, praised Oseni for his consistent support for traders and other community-based empowerment programmes.

The market leaders unanimously endorsed his senatorial ambition and pledged to mobilise support for his 2027 bid, saying his record of empowerment, constituency projects and community development had earned him the confidence of the people.

 

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