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VDM’s Arrest: GTBank Victim Of Narrative Manipulation – Isaac Asabor

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  IBADAN – The recent arrest of popular Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been generating series of reactions among Nigerians. Just as the Guaranty Trust Bank GTB involvement’s over the issue was described by a seasoned journalist, Isaac Asabor as a “Victim of Narrative Manipulation.” Isaac Asabor’s digression over the issue stated as this, “Let us pause here and consider the logic behind this outrage. A citizen walks into a bank to make a complaint, a right guaranteed by his status as a customer. He is attended to and then exits the premises. Sometime after that, he is arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force. Yet somehow, without evidence or an official statement linking the two events, the bank becomes the villain in the eyes of the public. If that is not a textbook example of scapegoating, what is?” “In the age of social media, it has become far too easy for misinformation to spread like wildfire, and in the process, facts are trampled, reputations are dragged, and innocent entities are often scapegoated. “Since the news of his arrest broke, many Nigerians on social media have been quick to point fingers, and unfortunately, one of the first institutions to fall under the weight of public outrage was Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank). The basis of this backlash? VDM had earlier visited one of the bank’s branches in Abuja to lodge a complaint regarding alleged unauthorized transactions from his mother’s bank account. “Let us pause here and consider the logic behind this outrage. A citizen walks into a bank to make a complaint, a right guaranteed by his status as a customer. He is attended to and then exits the premises. Sometime after that, he is arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force. Yet somehow, without evidence or an official statement linking the two events, the bank becomes the villain in the eyes of the public. If that is not a textbook example of scapegoating, what is? “Thankfully, in this case, we are not operating in an information vacuum. VDM’s own legal representatives, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, a well-known human rights lawyer, have publicly clarified the sequence of events as he explicitly stated that his client was not arrested inside or outside any GTBank branch. According to Adeyanju, the arrest occurred in Area 3, a different part of Abuja, hours after the bank visit. “Furthermore, the legal team later discovered that VDM was being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), not GTBank, not private security operatives, and certainly not on bank premises. These are not speculations; they are statements made by legal professionals actively involved in the case. “So, what exactly did GTBank do wrong? Listen to a customer’s complaint? Allow a citizen to use their platform to seek help over suspected fraud on an account? Since when did being present at a location prior to an arrest translate to complicity? customer who visited one of its branches, is not its fault, and should not be made to seem like it is. “To allow this misinformation to fester unchallenged is to participate in the erosion of corporate integrity. Tomorrow, it could be another bank, another school, another public institution, all falsely accused because they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. “There are more important questions that deserve the public’s attention: Why was VDM arrested? What charges, if any, have been formally filed against him? Was due process followed in his arrest and detention? What role is the EFCC playing, and how transparent has it been in its handling of this matter? “These are the real issues that demand scrutiny. Redirecting anger toward an uninvolved party not only derails the conversation but also lets the real actors off the hook. Exonerating GTBank in this context is not a recourse to shield institutions from criticism, rather, it is an act of advocating for fairness, truth, and focus. “It is said that in times of confusion, facts are our best compass. That compass is clearly pointing in the direction of GTBank’s innocence in the arrest of VeryDarkMan. The bank neither instigated, facilitated, nor benefited from the event. The arrest was a state action, carried out in a different location, and connected, according to legal sources, to entirely different matters. “Let us not make GTBank the scapegoat for an incident in which it played no role. Let us be mature enough to separate presence from participation, and coincidence from conspiracy. “Social media may thrive on heat, but newspapers, and history, must favor light. The truth is simple and unembellished: GTBank did not arrest VeryDarkMan. And that should be the end of it.” Isaac Asabor stated.

(PHOTOS): We’ll Airlift Intending Hajj Pilgrims From Ibadan International Airport Soon – Makinde

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(PHOTOS): We’ll Airlift Intending Hajj Pilgrims From Ibadan International Airport Soon – Makinde

  IBADAN – Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that intending pilgrims performing the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be airlifted directly from the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Alakia, Ibadan. The governor, who said this on Wednesday during the farewell ceremony for the Oyo State Hajj 2025 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, held at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, called on them to pray for both Oyo State and the Federal Government in the holy land. He also enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the state. Giving an update on the ongoing upgrade of the airport to international standard, Governor Makinde said the project has been progressing well and has become a reality that will impact the economy of the state positively. He added that his administration has made huge progress on infrastructure development across the state, noting that the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road and the reconstructed Olodo Bridge will complement the government’s efforts on the Hajj Camp project. He said: “I went to the airport two days ago and I can tell you that it is a project God has already completed. The airport is now a reality. I am submitting a letter indicating that by the time we want to do next year’s Hajj, we have the capacity to take off from our airport here. “We are not going to be doing a symbolic take-off, in which you would fly from here to Lagos and take off from that point. No. You will take-off from here till you get to your destination. We hoped for it, worked towards it and God has helped us to actualise the dream. “What flying out of Ibadan Airport during the Hajj operations of next year would do for us is that Customs and Immigration personnel would be posted there. This will definitely make the airport assume both regional and international status. “Also, let me say in response to the request by the chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, that we have made some progress on infrastructure. Few years back, when you wanted to come to the Hajj Camp, there was only one major road but, today, there is an alternative road. “The Circular Road will take you through Badeku from the back of this place as you don’t need to go to Iwo Road. You can also turn right from here to link Moniya Road. “Also, the bridge that didn’t allow us to host this farewell programme here last year has been completed and I have seen it. They will also fix the road beyond this point that we are all standing to complement what the chairman is requesting for. “When I came here for the first time about six years ago, it was very dusty. But we have now made some progress, as the car park has been done and other roads are being fixed. Before this time next year, the whole project would have been completed.” The governor equally charged intending pilgrims to follow laid down rules and avoid any act capable of tarnishing the image of the state and that of their respective families. He commended the chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheik Wahab Ateere, and members of the board for the successful planning and coordination of the 2025 Hajj operations. He added: “I want to urge you, the pilgrims from Oyo State, to pray for the government while praying for yourselves and families. “Remember to also pray for the Federal Government, because most of the things they do at the federal level always have an impact on what we do at the state level.” Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Atere, appreciated Governor Makinde for his unprecedented developmental strides and continuous support to the Muslim community and the board towards a smooth 2025 Hajj exercise. He explained that with the support of the governor, the state has secured the visas for all the intending pilgrims, who will be airlifted in two batches on 10th and 11th of May, 2025 without any delay. He added that the board has secured befitting accommodations for all the intending pilgrims and made other arrangements successfully. In his lecture, Professor Kamil Koyejo Oloso charged the pilgrims to remain focused and perform the Hajj rites devotedly, spend their money wisely and look out for one another. Also in their separate goodwill messages, the chairman, Ibadan Muslim Community, Chief Bayo Oyero, and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu appreciated Governor Makinde for his unflinching support, charging the intending pilgrims not to use the Hajj operations for social visit or tourists’ adventure but as what it is, one of the pillars of Islam. The event had in attendance the wife of a former Oyo State governor, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja, who was represented by Alhaja Iyabo Kobiowu; former deputy governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors , Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi. Others were Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni. Also in attendance were the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Imam of Oyo State, Sheik Abdulganiyy Agbotomokekere; League of Imams and Alfas and top government functionaries.

Senate To Hold National Security Summit Amid Rising Insecurity

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  The Senate on Tuesday resolved to hold a two-day national security summit to brainstorm a solution to the rising wave of killings and other forms of insecurity in the country. The decision followed a motion sponsored by Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo South, at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday. While on a working visit to France, bandits in a senseless campaign of violence killed innocent Nigerians in Plateau, Benue and Zamfara states, culminating in calls for President Bola Tinubu to cut short his vacation to return home to lead the fight against insecurity from the front. Leading the debate, Ibrahim said the “high level” of global insecurity is driven by events in Russia and Ukraine and compounded by tensions between the global north and global south. According to him, the issues have continuously worsened food insecurity and affected the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. The former Ondo governorship aspirant emphasised that the ongoing trade tariff war in America and the growing emphasis on the balance of power in global affairs are gradually giving way to a new world order. “This new order reflects in immigration policies, visa cancellations by new regimes, and countries raising funds by selling citizenship — all of which fuel economic conflict and undermine globalisation pursued over the last sixty years,” he said. Continuing, Ibrahim said Nigeria must clarify its strategic engagement in international affairs, noting that the Senate has a role in advising the executive to maximise national interest. “The next world war may not even require the fanfare of militarism. The incredible growing economic war is gaining ground with destructive innovation in security globally. “There is a need for alternative language in military engagement as well as enhanced funding to advance the professional practices and respected tradition of the future military,” he stated. He therefore called for an “empirical fact-finding national security summit” to help develop far-reaching solutions. The senator representing Katsina South, Mohammed Dandutse, seconded the motion, saying the lack of intelligence sharing among security agencies was a major setback. He said, “Nigeria is blessed, we have no other country except Nigeria. We have to face these criminals squarely. No country succeeds except with peace and security. “The security agencies are given funding. So there is a need for the judicious spending of these resources.” The senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe and the senator representing Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliero, however, disagreed with the move. Both lawmakers argued that a security summit may not be the solution. The senator representing Benue North-West, Titus Zam and the Senate minority leader, Abba Moro, countered their view by backing the motion. At the end, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and the majority of senators voted in favour of the summit. Akpabio, however, proposed that the summit should last for two days instead of the three days proposed by Ibrahim. The Senate subsequently resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to organise the two-day national security summit in Abuja. The event will include delegates from all levels of government, as well as traditional institutions. The Red Chamber also urged the federal government to review and rejig the country’s security policies based on outcomes from the summit. Punch

Osun NSCDC Seals Illegal Children’s Home

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  Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, on Tuesday, said it has sealed a home for children with disabilities owned by a private individual (name withheld) in Osogbo. A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke, explained that State Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, directed that the home be sealed as it lacked facilities for the care of children with disabilities. Speaking during a raid on the facility, the Deputy Commandant of Corps Oluwafemi Abeere, stated that the command sent operatives to the home, “following a tip-off from the public. “Upon arrival, it was evident that the children were malnourished, and operatives discovered that the home lacked registration with relevant authorities, raising concerns about the children’s well-being.” “The command has reached out to the parents and guardians of the children for their pickup, but they refused. “A discreet investigation revealed that the children’s parents have abandoned them with the caregiver, ceasing payment for services and becoming unreachable when contacted,” the statement reads. The command further said it has contacted the Osun State Bureau for Persons With Disabilities for necessary action. In his words of admonition for parents and guardians, the commandant urged them to ‘carefully vet care facilities. He noted that the command would continue collaboration with key stakeholders in the state to safeguard persons with disabilities. Punch

Tackle Insecurity With Actionable Plans, Ibas Advises Military

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  The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, (rted.) has charged participants of Senior Course 47 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, to ensure that their study tour reports provide practical solutions to the pressing security challenges facing the nation. Ibas gave the charge when the Senior Course 47 participants paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, Ibas emphasised the significance of their study tour to the state, given the prevailing security threats to lives and property, which necessitated the current administration’s intervention. This was contained in a statement issued by the sole administrator’s media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to newsmen. The sole administrator stressed the importance of gathering credible intelligence to address insecurity, noting that security challenges negatively impact economic productivity, reduce government revenue, and deter investments. He said, “It disturbs our utmost conviction that those who provide human capital that fuels insecurity in urban and remote areas include, of course, our rural populace. “Hence, any study channeled towards harvesting grassroots intelligence is worth embarking on, as internal security without proper feedback mechanisms will be an illusion to be pursued but cannot be attained”. He urged the participants to ensure that their interactions with security agencies and other stakeholders, as well as the data collected, go beyond mere academic exercise and translate into practical, actionable strategies for enhancing security operations. Ibas expressed confidence that the study would contribute to both academic scholarship and the broader security framework necessary for a safer and more secure Rivers State. In his address, the Team Leader and Director of Logistics at AFCSC Jaji, Commodore S. O. Abdularaheen, explained that his team is one of nine groups currently on a study tour across selected states in Nigeria. Abdularaheen further said the tour is part of this year’s research on the Nigerian environment as it relates to national security concerns. He said the team is guided by the theme: “Harnessing Grassroots Intelligence for Enhanced Internal Security.” He noted that their findings would be compiled into a research paper for the college, with recommendations expected to be adopted by relevant government agencies and organizations for implementation. The visit underscores Rivers State’s commitment to collaborating with security institutions to develop sustainable solutions to insecurity, fostering a safer and more prosperous society. Punch

VeryDarkMan Arrested Over Multiple Petitions, To Be Charged Soon — EFCC

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  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said that the arrest of social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, was carried out over multiple petitions submitted to its agency. The anti-graft agency confirmed to BBC News Pidgin through its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Monday. According to him, VeryDarkMan was taken into custody following complaints from several petitioners on the allegation of cyberstalking. He said, “We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners. “We will release him when he meets the bail conditions and we will take the case to court as soon as possible; we are law-abiding.” When asked if the case was connected to Guaranty Trust Bank, Oyewale noted that the petitions were from different individuals and the agency owed them a duty of protection. Oyewole added that the commission was planning to arraign the social media activist. More to come…  

Ex-Wema Boss Urges Deeper Engagement To Sustain Bank’s Legacy

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  A former Managing Director of Wema Bank Plc, Ademola Adebisi, has urged the management of the bank to pursue deeper and more structured engagement. He said the bank’s continued relevance today is due to the efforts and dedication of stakeholders, employees, customers, shareholders, and other partners. He gave this advice at the second reunion and celebration of Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary, tagged Oluyole 2025, with the theme: “Navigating the Intersection of Past, Present and Future – A Stakeholder-Centric Approach to Sustainability and Growth.” The event, organised by former employees of the bank under the aegis of the Ex-Colleagues Group, was held at Jogor Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday. Adebise said the reunion was particularly special as it coincided with the 80th-anniversary celebration of the bank, describing the milestone as “eight decades of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to service.” The former MD stated that the bank stands as a leader in digital innovation within the Nigerian banking landscape, adding that beyond technology, the bank has also deepened its focus on sustainability and stakeholder engagement. He said, “Our ability to stay relevant today is largely due to the efforts and dedication of stakeholders – our employees, customers, shareholders, and partners – who have contributed to making our bank a force to reckon with. “I encourage both the bank and the Wema Alumni community to pursue deeper, more structured engagement. “The value that resides within this network of former staff is immense – individuals with decades of experience, regional understanding, and deep-rooted relationships that can continue to serve the institution in different ways.” Adebise advised that, “Rather than allow this wealth of knowledge to lie dormant, we must harness it through purposeful engagement.” Also speaking, an Executive Director of the bank, Tunde Mabawonku, addressed the bank’s capital-raising efforts, saying, “In terms of capital raising, we have already started the process. The bank is a commercial bank with national authorisation. “So today, we are present in 27 or 28 states of Nigeria. “And we really want to continue growing. At present, we require an additional N130 billion in capital based on CBN requirements. “We are already in the market to raise N150 billion through a rights issue. It opened on 14 April and will close on 21 May. “We have already engaged shareholders, and almost 95 per cent of them have made payments. Just complete your verification and go ahead to absorb the cash,” he said. Mabawonku appealed to his former colleagues and other stakeholders to support the rights issue and continue to uphold the bank’s legacy while enjoying the rewards of their past contributions. Earlier, the Chairman of the Group Administration Team, Wale Adedapo, expressed gratitude to the current management of the bank for their financial support and recognition of the Ex-Colleagues Group. He said the purpose of the reunion was to interact with former colleagues, have fun, and celebrate the bank’s 80th anniversary. Punch

‎May Day: Hon Segelu Calls For Improved Welfare, Says Workers Are Pillars Of Government

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‎ ‎The 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has extended his warm greetings to all the workers across the country on the occasion of the year 2025 Workers Day celebration otherwise known as May Day. ‎ ‎Aare Segelu, a Germany-based businessman and ICT expert, who also extended his greetings to the workers in Oyo State, described the workers as the pillars of government. ‎ ‎In his May Day message made available to journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Thursday, called for a robust welfare package for the workers. ‎ ‎Aare Segelu highlighted the importance of workers in nation building. He also emphasized the crucial role of workers as the foundation and pillars for the government’s progress and development. ‎ ‎He noted that this year’s theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” is particularly relevant, serving as a strong call to action and a point of unity for all workers. ‎ ‎“Even in difficult times, we must assert our rights, raise our voices, and engage fully in the civil ways that shape our lives. I want to enjoin Nigerian workers to remain committed to excellence and to work together in unity and purpose to create a better country we all deserve. ‎ ‎”Workers’ Day is not only a day of celebration but a time to reflect on our shared journey and renew our commitment to establishing a better Nigeria where every worker is respected, empowered, and compensated fairly.” Segelu stated.

Reps Order Oil Firm To Pay $4m Debt Within Five Days

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  The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has directed OML18 Resources Limited, formerly known as Sahara Field Production Ltd., to remit $4,020,000 to the Federation Account within five days. The Committee issued the directive on Wednesday at its investigative hearing, as part of its ongoing probe into outstanding debts owed by oil companies to the Federation Account. The investigation, based on findings from the 2021 Audit Report and data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, involves 45 oil companies collectively owing $1.7bn in outstanding liabilities. A statement issued by the media unit of the committee on Wednesday evening revealed that during the session, “The NUPRC representative, Balarabe Haruna, reported that OML18 Resources owes a total of $20.23m, comprising $17. 37m in crude oil royalties and $2.86m in gas flare penalties.” Mr Haruna added that the company also owes N173.71m in gas sales revenue. Responding to the allegations, Team Lead of OML18 Resources’ Commercial Department, Mrs Olutobi Dairo, acknowledged the debt, noting that the NUPRC is the custodian of the relevant figures and confirming the accuracy of the liabilities. “I agree there are liabilities,” she said. Chairman of the Committee, Bamidele Salam, highlighted the seriousness of the matter, saying, “The money owed to the Federation Account is significant, and Nigeria needs the money. We take it that you have confirmed the NUPRC’s claims.” The Committee resolved that 20% of the total amount, equivalent to $4.02 million, must be paid within 5 days. PAC also instructed OML18 Resources to reconcile its accounts with the asset operator within 14 days and report back to the Committee with a breakdown of the remaining liabilities. Punch

GTBank Increases SMS Alert Fee To ₦6

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  Guaranty Trust Bank has announced an increase in the fee charged for SMS transaction alerts, with the new rate set to take effect from Thursday, May 1, 2025. The fee was increased from N4 to N6. In a notice sent to our correspondent on Wednesday, the bank wrote, “Dear valued customer, please be informed that effective Thursday, May 1, 2025, the SMS transaction alert fee will increase from ₦4 to ₦6 per message.” The bank explained that the price adjustment was necessary due to a hike in telecom service charges. “This adjustment is due to a recent increase in telecom rates as communicated by the telecommunication service providers”, the bank explained. GTBank also emphasised the importance of SMS alerts in helping customers monitor their accounts and detect suspicious activity promptly. “Kindly note that transaction alerts are important and help you keep track and stay in control of activities on your account,” it said. However, the bank has also offered customers the option to opt out of SMS alerts if they prefer alternative notification methods. “If you prefer not to receive transaction alerts via SMS, you can update your preferences by completing the transaction alert form on our website and sending it to gtbankmailsupport@gtbank.com”, the message added. For those seeking additional information or support, the bank urged customers to reach out through its dedicated customer service helplines.

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