When The Bank Becomes The Beast: Hidden Menace Of GTBank’s Tellers, Security

Published

2 years ago

June 10, 2024

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When The Bank Becomes The Beast: Hidden Menace Of GTBank’s Tellers, Security

● How Unseen Aggressors Inside GTBank are Driving Customers Away

Under the polished veneer of Guaranty Trust Bank’s modern facades and its acclaimed reputation for financial acumen and corporate responsibility, a sinister trend is taking root. The very individuals entrusted with safeguarding and serving customers—cashiers and security personnel—are becoming the bank’s internal menace. This growing undercurrent of hostility is threatening to dismantle the trust GTBank has painstakingly built over the years.

Imagine stepping into the hallowed halls of Guaranty Trust Bank, anticipating the seamless banking experience the institution is known for. Instead, you are greeted with an unsettling spectacle: tellers who eye your every move, ready to pounce with a mix of beggary and belligerence, and security guards whose protectiveness morphs into menacing extortion. This is the new, disconcerting reality for customers at GTBank’s Lagos branches.

If Guaranty Trust Bank has built its solid reputation on financial wizardry and corporate social responsibility, the growing obnoxiousness of the tellers at its different branches in Lagos may be the bad deed that could bring all its good deeds into disrepute.

Indeed, the bank is earning another kind of reputation its promoters may be oblivious to – its tellers, some of whom investigations revealed are becoming a menace to their customers and, by extension, the society. In the last couple of weeks, not a few customers have openly complained about the beggarly and abusive disposition of the tellers who count depositors’ money.

A particular customer disclosed the modus operandi of the tellers thus: “When you enter into the banking hall, their eyes are on you, watching whether you came to withdraw or not. When you bring out the money, their eyes light up, they raise their hands in the manner of ‘Area Boys’ and would be all over you, curtseying and genuflecting and singing your praises, not minding whether they are much older. Woe betides you if you failed to ‘drop’. Instantly, they turn the praises to outright abuses, wondering aloud how miserly one is with their money, and you would be left wondering whether you are under any compulsion to part with your money.” The customer said no branch is absolved from this practice in Lagos.

Another customer disclosed that the GTB security personnel equally have perfected the art of mendicancy to an embarrassing level. With a narrative similar to the above, he added, “It is even worse when you are a regular face at a particular branch and you are noted for not giving them money. They will hardly ever find you a space to park your car and when you do find one yourself, efforts would be made to prevent you from doing so. If you were adamant, the kind of words they would rain on you would make you regret banking at that branch. This is a menace that if the bank does not quickly nip in the bud may turn many customers away.”

However, it is often said that there is no animal in the world, other than the gentle human, who is so dominated that when asked to labour while hungry for even the smallest amount of food that is poor in nutrition, they do it gladly.

And that, perhaps, sums up the situation of the tellers and security guards at GTBank branches. Hungry and broke, they seek food unabashedly and with a predatory instinct.

An insurance executive who preferred not to be named explained how she had gone to the Town Planning Way, Ilupeju branch of Wema Bank to make a withdrawal and was scared shitless by her experience.

As she made to drive out of the parking lot, she said that a security guard came to her side, tapped on the window and reminded her that they were the ones watching over her car. “He didn’t stop there,” she recalled, adding, “he then said that it would be wicked of me to leave without tipping them. I was shocked, of course, but I gave him N500. I don’t know what gave him the boldness to talk that way. But I quickly reflected that these people could arrange with outsiders to rob me on my way. I plan to register my displeasure with the bank.”

Indeed, no Nigerian bank, customers allege, is immune from this untoward trend which they concur is borne out of the pocket-money wages they receive. “These are grown men and women with families and they earn what I’d give my kid for tidying their bedroom,” she said. She implored bank CEOs to look into the situation before it turned ugly saying, “At the rate these guys are going, they might be the ones with guns robbing people openly at the ATMs.”

Horrid Experiences of Customers:
A business owner, Mr. Tunde, recounted a particularly harrowing experience at the Ikoyi branch. “I went in to make a substantial withdrawal for payroll. As soon as the teller saw the amount, her demeanor changed. She kept hinting that I should show appreciation. I was already running late, so I ignored her. By the time I got back to the office, I realized that she had shorted me several thousand naira. When I went back to complain, she acted as if she didn’t recognize me and refused to help. It was only after I threatened to involve the branch manager that she reluctantly corrected the error. But the whole experience was humiliating.”

Ms. Ada, a teacher, shared a similarly disturbing incident at the Ikeja branch. “I went to deposit some money and the teller was very friendly at first, asking about my day and making small talk. But then she asked if I could ‘spare something small’ for her. When I politely declined, citing my tight budget, her friendliness evaporated. She became cold and deliberately slow, handling my transaction as if she had all the time in the world. Other customers were served before me, even those who arrived after I did. It was clear she was punishing me for not tipping her.”

Mr. James, a retiree, faced a different kind of intimidation at the Victoria Island branch. “Every time I visited to withdraw my pension, the security guards would crowd around my car, demanding tips for helping me park. On one occasion, when I didn’t have any change to give them, they blocked my car and wouldn’t let me leave until I handed over some money. They even threatened to report me for creating a scene. It was terrifying, especially for someone my age.”

The distressing accounts from customers reveal a dark and growing crisis within the walls of GTBank. As the pressures of inadequate wages push tellers and security guards towards unprofessional and aggressive behavior, the once hallowed banking experience turns nightmarish. Guaranty Trust Bank must address these internal challenges with urgency and empathy, ensuring that the integrity of its service remains untarnished. Only then can it hope to sustain the trust and respect of its clientele, securing its legacy for the future.

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APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

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10 hours ago

June 15, 2026

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APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

……APFSPN Town Hall Meeting and Induction of New Members Set for June 17

The Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN) has announced plans to host its Inaugural Town Hall Meeting and New Members Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture, Iganmu, Lagos.

The landmark event, themed “The Business Behind the Plate,” is expected to bring together stakeholders across Nigeria’s food service ecosystem, including caterers, restaurant owners, event food service providers, culinary professionals, food entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to discuss the future of the industry and strengthen professional collaboration.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the event, the newly elected President of APFSPN, Mr. Tobi Fletcher, said the Association was established to address the longstanding absence of structure, institutional support, and unified representation within Nigeria’s rapidly growing food service industry.

According to him, despite being one of the most vibrant sectors of the economy, the food service industry has operated for too long without a coordinated voice capable of driving standards, recognition, and sustainable growth.

“APFSPN exists to professionalise the food service industry. We exist to give caterers, food vendors, restaurant owners, event food service providers, and every professional who works behind the plate a platform for growth, recognition, and collective strength.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

He explained that the theme of the event, “The Business Behind the Plate,” reflects the economic realities and entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding food service delivery in Nigeria.

“Behind every plate of food served at an event, in a restaurant, or at a corporate function, there is a business, a dream, and a livelihood. More importantly, over 90 percent of our members are women who wake up every day to build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy. APFSPN is here to ensure that these businesses are supported, protected, and celebrated.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Vice President of APFSPN, Mrs. Ibidunni Layade, emphasised the Association’s commitment to capacity building and the welfare of its members. She noted that APFSPN is not merely a professional body but a support system designed to elevate the standards of food service delivery across Nigeria.

“Our members are the backbone of Nigeria’s hospitality and events industry. What APFSPN offers is a structured pathway for them to access training, mentorship, business development resources, and a community that understands their unique challenges. This Town Hall Meeting is the beginning of that journey — a space where every food service professional can have a voice and be heard.” — Ibidunni Layade, Vice President, APFSPN

Mrs. Layade further stated that the induction of new members at the event underscores the Association’s rapid growth and the hunger within the industry for formal recognition and collective representation.

The Events Director of APFSPN, Ms. Temi Adelana, took the media through the programme of events for the Town Hall Meeting. She outlined a carefully curated agenda designed to combine ceremony, knowledge sharing, and networking.

“The event will commence at 9:00 AM with the arrival and registration of guests, followed by the opening ceremony, the presidential address, the keynote by our Guest Speaker, and the formal induction of new members. We have also incorporated panel discussions, an exhibition showcase featuring food service businesses, and structured networking sessions to ensure that every attendee leaves with tangible value and new connections.” — Temi Adelana, Events Director, APFSPN

Ms. Adelana added that the choice of the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture as the venue reflects the Association’s desire to position the food service industry within the broader narrative of Nigerian creativity, culture, and enterprise.

The event will also feature the formal induction of new members, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to building a professional body dedicated to excellence, ethics, innovation, and capacity development in Nigeria’s food service sector.

In further demonstration of the growing relevance of the Association, APFSPN disclosed that the event will attract international delegations and representatives from the Canadian Trade Commission and the Italian Trade Agency.

The Guest Speaker for the event is Former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, DG/CEO of NIHOTOUR, while the Special Guest of Honour is High Chief Lai Labode, Aare Ona of Egbaland, and other top dignitaries.

With over 500 food service professionals and stakeholders expected in attendance, the event is positioned to become a defining moment for the industry and a launchpad for stronger institutional engagement.

Calling on the media to amplify the industry’s story, Fletcher described the gathering as more than an event.

“You are not merely covering an event; you are witnessing the beginning of a movement. We urge the media to help tell the story of the women and men who feed this nation and an industry that is ready to be recognised and taken seriously.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Staff Allegedly Forget Safety Rope During Brazil Bridge Jump (VIDEO)

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2 days ago

June 14, 2026

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Staff Allegedly Forget Safety Rope During Brazil Bridge Jump (VIDEO)—-Tragic rope-jump accident in São Paulo leaves young woman dead as authorities detain six people and launch an investigation into safety failures.

A 21-year-old woman has died after being launched from a bridge during a rope-jump activity without being attached to the required safety rope in the Brazilian city of Limeira, São Paulo state. The victim, identified as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, fell approximately 40 metres after staff allegedly failed to secure her safety equipment before the jump.

The fatal incident occurred at the Ponte do Esqueleto trail, a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. Video footage circulating on social media reportedly shows instructors carrying the woman to the jump platform before releasing her. Moments later, witnesses can be heard shouting that the rope had not been attached.

Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, rushed to the scene but were unable to save her. She was pronounced dead at the site of the accident. Authorities say witness statements indicate a critical safety lapse may have occurred before the jump.

https://thecloudngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rapid_Report_-_JUST_IN_21-year-old_dies_after_workers_forget_to_attach_safety_rope_6ZjVfu.mp4?_=1

Brazilian police detained six individuals connected to the operation as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Reports indicate that some workers attempted to leave the area following the incident before being located by authorities.

The companies linked to the rope-jump operation have come under intense scrutiny as officials investigate potential negligence and safety protocol violations. The case has reignited debate over safety standards in Brazil’s growing extreme-sports industry.

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