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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BREAKING: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run

Published

1 day ago

September 6, 2026

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BREAKING: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run—-The Gunners came from behind after Morgan Rogers’ early opener, with Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard completing a comeback victory to maintain Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season.

Arsenal produced another statement performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 and maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.

Chelsea stunned the home crowd after just 77 seconds, when Morgan Rogers fired Xabi Alonso’s side into an early lead. Arsenal, however, responded strongly and gradually took control of the contest.

Kai Havertz restored parity in the 25th minute against his former club, finishing Arsenal’s sustained pressure to make it 1-1 before the break.

The Gunners continued to dominate after the restart and completed the comeback through captain Martin Ødegaard, who struck early in the second half after Havertz’s clever movement helped create the opening.

Chelsea pushed desperately for an equaliser late on, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial save to deny Estêvão and preserve all three points for the hosts.

The victory means Arsenal remain on nine points from three matches, level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea, meanwhile, suffer their first league defeat of the season and remain on six points.

For Mikel Arteta, the comeback further underlined Arsenal’s championship credentials. The reigning champions showed composure after conceding their first goal of the campaign and once again demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure.

Chelsea’s defeat will be frustrating for Alonso, particularly after his side made such a fast start. Despite their attacking threat, Arsenal’s control and defensive resilience ultimately proved decisive.

The result also extends Arsenal’s remarkable unbeaten run against Chelsea to 12 matches across all competitions, further strengthening the Gunners’ recent dominance in the London derby.

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day

Published

6 days ago

September 1, 2026

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day—-Cityzens have reached a British record-equalling agreement with Chelsea for the Argentina international on Deadline Day, with Fernández set to undergo his medical.

Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernández in one of the biggest transfers of Deadline Day.

The agreement, reported by Sky Sports and other leading outlets, will see the Argentina international leave Stamford Bridge for the Etihad Stadium in a move that matches the British transfer record previously set by Liverpool’s £125m signing of Alexander Isak.

Fernández is expected to undergo his medical before completing the transfer, with City working against the clock to finalise the deal before the summer transfer window closes.

Maresca Reunites With Fernández

The move will see Fernández reunite with Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea and is now Manchester City’s manager.

Maresca is understood to have been a major driving force behind City’s pursuit of the midfielder as he looks to reshape his squad and strengthen the centre of midfield.

Fernández played an important role during Maresca’s time at Stamford Bridge, helping Chelsea win major silverware before the Italian manager’s move to Manchester.

Chelsea Accept Record Fee

Chelsea signed Fernández from Benfica in January 2023 for approximately £107 million, making him one of the most expensive players in Premier League history at the time.

Just over three years later, Chelsea have agreed to sell the 25-year-old for £125 million, representing a significant return on their original investment.

The Argentine had recently been left out of Chelsea’s squad for successive matches, increasing speculation that his Stamford Bridge future was coming to an end.

City Make Deadline-Day Statement

Manchester City had been pursuing Fernández for much of the summer, but negotiations intensified dramatically as the transfer deadline approached.

Chelsea had previously valued their midfielder at around £120 million and had initially expected him to remain at the club after an earlier deadline for bids passed without a formal offer. However, City’s interest never disappeared, and the two clubs eventually found an agreement on Deadline Day.

The final £125 million package now puts Fernández level with the British transfer record.

Fernández Begins New Chapter

For Fernández, the transfer brings an end to a turbulent period at Chelsea and opens a new chapter under a manager he already knows.

The World Cup-winning midfielder arrived in England with enormous expectations after starring for Argentina and Benfica.

At Manchester City, he will be expected to become a central figure in Maresca’s midfield and help the club compete on multiple fronts.

A Record-Breaking Transfer

The £125 million agreement places Fernández among the most expensive players in football history and makes the Deadline Day transfer one of the biggest stories of the summer window.

City are now racing to complete the remaining formalities, including the medical, before the deadline.

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