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Rebuttal: Aiteo Debunks Pointblanknews’ Fictitious Report

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Rebuttal: Aiteo Debunks Pointblanknews’ Fictitious Report

Rebuttal: Aiteo Debunks Pointblanknews’ Fictitious Report

Rebuttal: Aiteo Debunks Pointblanknews’ Fictitious Report

The attention of Aiteo Group (“Aiteo”) and Mr. Benedict Peters (the Founder/Executive Vice Chairman of Aiteo Group) (“Mr. Peters”) has been drawn to a false, misleading and defamatory media report/publication made on 12th July 2022, by the online news portal, Pointblanknews.com, under the headline “AITEO BOSS, BENEDICT PETERS, LINKED TO MASSIVE INTERNATIONAL FRAUD, MONEY LAUNDERING (PART 1)”, which has been further circulated by other online media platforms.

In the publication, Pointblanknews.com made a number of absurdly spurious and defamatory allegations against Aiteo and Mr. Peters, citing unnamed, unspecific and unverifiable sources (in common with its other publications), in what is ostensibly an orchestrated smear campaign against Mr. Peters and a number of Aiteo entities.

 

 

 

 

 

The publication makes several false statements seeking, forlornly, to embellish its headline that Mr. Peters is currently “linked to massive international fraud, money laundering…” and alleges, without any particulars whatsoever, that he is the subject of various indictments within and outside Nigeria. The article offers no facts, information or explanation as to what it says either Mr. Peters or some of the entities that it names has done; done wrong or improperly either in contravention of any laws or business practices.

In short, other than to publish a list of names and throw bare accusations lacking any form of content or credibility, the article represents the worst form of hollow journalism of the sort that the publisher appears to be regularly associated with. The article misguidedly and malevolently derided ours and Mr. Peters’ activities and in so doing, demonstrated irresponsible journalism as it is plainly evident that its writers undertook no proper investigation or inquiry, prior to publication, as they did not even make the professional effort to contact us despite our very well publicised locations and contact details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essentially, the article represents outcomes of a maliciously conceived concoction of untruths designed to embarrass, humiliate or disgrace both Aiteo and Mr. Peters, without any foundation whatsoever. These statements are completely false and fabricated; defamatory and highly damaging to our image and reputation, and that of Mr. Peters as an international businessman of considerable repute, in the minds of reasonable and right-thinking members of the society.

Arising only from the undeserved necessity to refute allegations that have no substance whatsoever, we are constrained to confirm that that the basis of the article is a collation of maliciously conjectural fiction. The article pathetically fails to state that any of the transactions represented by the names to which the relate or the contents represent evidence of any inappropriate undertakings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is plainly evident that the said words were uttered and published deliberately, maliciously, falsely and willfully with the intent to cause damage to the character, profession, and reputation of the Aiteo entities and Mr Peters.

The publishers knew or ought to know that NONE of these assertions are true because there are no alleged financial crimes considered, proffered or in existence based on any facts or documents involving our client; any companies in which he has any interest, family members in any of the countries that the article mentions or involving the banks named or any other banks whatsoever. The sheer lack of specificity regarding the nature or type of any such gifts given in the documents that you have provided speaks to the incontestable lack of credibility of the allegations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The truth is that Mr. Peters has been assiduously working in the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria for over 30 years. Mr. Peters is the founder of the AITEO, an integrated global-focused energy conglomerate comprising a number of corporate entities that provide jobs and enhance meaningful indigenous participation in the energy sector.

The core area of Aiteo’s business, at its inception, was trading and distribution of all kinds of petroleum products but grew to include upstream exploration and production of crude oil condensate and gas, bulk petroleum storage, refining of petroleum products, trading, marketing and supply as well as power generation and distribution. Under Mr. Peters’ leadership, Aiteo has grown rapidly and steadily over the years, becoming a significant player in the Oil and Gas industry in Africa. We have successfully expanded our business footprint into Power, Mining, Real Estate, Agriculture and Health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inherently, the overwhelming malice and inaccuracies in the article confirm that the writers’ objectives were undisguisedly spiteful. Many of the statements contain untrue and highly inflammatory comments. Indeed, some of them contain incontrovertible malicious falsehood. These circumstances lead to the inescapable conclusion that the writers have pursued this course specifically with the intent to cause maximum damage and embarrassment. It is not known what writers motivation was.

We have referred the matters arising to our lawyers for further decisive action against the publisher and all those who have irresponsibly disseminated the article. In the interim, Aiteo and Mr Peters hereby urge members of the public as well as business partners, associates and well-wishers globally to disregard the as well as any previous and future defamatory reports or publications associated with this article or any comments therein including the re-publication by other online media outlets that used Pointblanknews.com as their source.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We assure the general public that Aiteo and Mr Peters remain committed to upholding the true values of transparency, excellent service delivery and accountability at all times for which we have come to be known.

Signed
Aiteo Group

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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GTCO vs. Very Dark Man: Why Nigerians Must Stop the Judgment of Emotions

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*GTCO vs. Very Dark Man: Why Nigerians Must Stop the Judgment of Emotions*

By Osho Oluwatosin

The internet has literally been on ‘fire’ since Friday following the arrest of self-acclaimed Nigerian activist, Martins Vincent, also known as Very Dark Man. He was reportedly picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for reasons yet unknown.

While it’s not the first time VeryDarkMan or any prominent Nigerian would be arrested by the EFCC — a government agency not under the authority of any private organization — it seems some Nigerians are passionately trying to push a narrative that his arrest was orchestrated by one of Nigeria’s biggest financial institutions, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO).

Although this narrative isn’t far-fetched — VDM had criticized the bank due to ‘mysterious’ deductions from his mother’s bank account for unjustifiable reasons. He approached the bank’s branch in Abuja to make an official complaint and, afterwards, he was picked up by the EFCC. But what many Nigerians have failed to realize is GTCO may not even be involved in his arrest.

VeryDarkMan was seen in the bank, quite alright, but in a CCTV released by the bank, he was seen moving out of the bank when he finished. He even had a celebrity moment with some of his followers who took pictures with him before he was arrested. So I’m wondering, what has GTB got to do with his arrest? That someone got knocked down by a vehicle after leaving church, does it mean the church orchestrated the accident? That someone got attacked after leaving a lecture room, does it mean the lecturer orchestrated it? That someone even got attacked in a courtroom, does it mean the judge orchestrated it? Absolutely not.

Although it would have been better if the EFCC had come out to clear the air regarding the reason for VDM’s arrest, because in the absence of information, rumours are bound to thrive. In fact, the commission should have actually released a statement regarding these rumours, not to vindicate GTB, but to keep Nigerians informed.

Let’s even think about it logically: what can warrant GTCO to order VDM’s arrest by the EFCC? Did he defraud GTCO? Did he steal from a GTB customer? Did he launder money through a GTB account? These are questions that should be asked before passing judgments. But Nigerians are always emotional when it comes to issues like this, and that’s why people who are culpable in serious crimes get away with anything as long as they get involved in charity or activism.

GTCO has been a very friendly organization, and in 2024 alone, the bank paid a record dividend of N8 per share. The bank is happy, shareholders are happy, customers are happy — who is Very Dark Man?

Osho Oluwatosin is a Nigerian journalist and writes from Lagos.

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Can We Have More Bankers Like Victoria Mulero? An epitome of ‘omoluabi’

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Can We Have More Bankers Like Victoria Mulero? An epitome of ‘omoluabi’

In February of this year, I needed to open a new bank account for salary purposes, as required by the management of the new company I had just joined.

I considered First Bank, Access Bank, and Sterling Bank. After some thought, I chose Sterling Bank—not because I found them superior—but because I believed they had fewer customers, which I hoped would save me from long queues and unnecessary delays.

I visited the Sterling Bank branch at Akowonjo to open the account. Unfortunately, the staff member who attended to me didn’t inspire confidence. She appeared distracted—smiling at her phone, clearly engrossed in a private chat—far from the level of professionalism one would expect in a bank setting. I had a feeling this would lead to problems down the line.

 

When my first salary was paid into the account, my suspicion was confirmed. Sterling Bank restricted access to my funds—I couldn’t transfer money or make withdrawals at the counter. I visited their Fatai Atere branch at Ladipo, Mushin to complain, where I was informed that the account opened for me was a “Kaikai” account—a type I had never heard of. Apparently, this account type is meant for individuals who lack the required documents during account creation. But I had submitted all necessary documents, so why was such an account opened for me?

Can We Have More Bankers Like Victoria Mulero? An epitome of 'omoluabi'

At the Fatai Atere branch, I was attended to by a remarkable banker named Victoria Mulero. She requested my NIN, which I didn’t have on me at the time. Rather than send me back home, she asked if I had a digital copy. I did, and she graciously gave me her email address so I could forward it to her. With that, she resolved the issue promptly and professionally.

However, the following month, in March, the same restriction happened again. I returned to the Fatai Atere branch, and once again, Victoria Mulero handled my complaint with efficiency and kindness, resolving it without delay.

I hoped the matter was finally settled, but when my April salary arrived, the restriction was imposed yet again. This time, I was beyond frustrated and ready to replace Sterling Bank as my salary account. Still, I visited the Fatai Atere branch one last time. Once more, Victoria Mulero resolved the issue with grace and determination.

This write-up is a tribute to Victoria Mulero of Sterling Bank, Fatai Atere branch. She is a rare gem—respectful, diligent, and genuinely customer-focused. She went above and beyond, following up with the Akowonjo branch through calls and emails until the matter was fully resolved. She handled every situation with patience and empathy, treating the job as if the bank belonged to her family.

To be honest, I’ve had unpleasant experiences with many bankers, especially female staff. Too often, they carry personal frustrations into the banking hall and take it out on customers. But Victoria is different. She exemplifies what true customer service should be.

We may not all be the same, but treating people with respect and kindness is a skill that can be learned—and Victoria clearly has. Let’s celebrate her for being a model professional and a beacon of hope in an industry that too often lacks empathy.

Without any fear of contradiction, I say boldly that Victoria Mulero is a good ambassador of Sterling Bank and her parents too deserve encomium for raising a well trained daughter and impacting an attitude of ‘ omoluabi’ in her. We need more of Victoria Mulero in our banking industry.

Seun Jacob Ogunbiyi
Known as Olùkọ́, the therapeutic writer and Lagos based journalist

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Air Peace Airlines’ failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays …causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board

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Air Peace Airlines' failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays ...causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board ~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Air Peace Airlines’ failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays
…causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board

~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Traveling is undoubtedly the most effective form of education, enabling individuals to observe human quirks from diverse perspectives

On Saturday, 3rd May 2025, an Air Peace Airlines flight from Akure Airport was delayed, causing undue inconvenience to a Nigerian traveller and a prominent Nigerian man of God, an unfortunate incident that befell the nation’s citizens

Does Nigerian law consider it a criminal offense for travelers to book flights with Air Peace, a leading Nigerian airline, instead of other airlines that fail to depart on schedule, such as remaining at 10am instead of departing at 10am? Certainly, some Nigerian citizens may opt to travel with airlines like Arik, Aero, Dana, rather than Air Peace.

Air Peace Airlines' failure to adhere to scheduled departure times results in prolonged delays
...causing undue hardship for Nigerians on board
~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

It is evident that many Nigerians actually believe Air Peace airline came to rescue Nigerians from the subpar fly-and-die experience of other airlines, such as Dana, which is why many have fallen in love with Air Peace Airlines’ domestic operations

 

Air Peace Airlines’ decision to reschedule a 12:00 flight from Akure in Ondo State to 3:00 on Saturday, 3rd May 2025, has been met with disappointment from some affected Nigerian passengers, who deem this change unreasonable and unjustified.

Nigeria is hindered by self-imposed challenges that impede our collective advancement. I remain optimistic that future leadership will emerge, focusing on nuanced details that cumulatively enhance the lives of citizens, including access to housing, affordable food, petrol, quality healthcare, and a decent standard of living. The fact that we produce rice, only to have its price inflated by some, thereby rendering it unaffordable, is a pressing concern

It is baffling to me why some people or airlines deliberately provide poor services, causing undue hardship for their passengers, without taking the courtesy to apologize

How can passengers ensure they arrive at Akure Airport by 10 a.m. to catch a 12 p.m. flight from Akure to Lagos and complete check-in as usual

Only for them to fall victim to an extremely harrowing experience. The first indication was the outrage of a passenger at the Nigeria Air Peace counters. He yelled at the ticketing officials that his time had been wasted by three hours and demanded to be refunded his money, as his business was equally affected.

The scene was remarkably congested, and indeed there was an exceedingly large number of passengers traveling to Lagos on this particular Air Peace flight.Which none of them can comprehend what could cause a delay from 12 O’clock to 3:15 pm, without considering individuals with an assignment or occasion in Lagos, is so crazy and devastating.

*How Passengers suffer through endless delays waiting for Air Peace aircraft.*

Accordingly, they embarked on an extended wait after Air Peace notified them that the flight had been postponed by an hour. Ultimately, the delay proved to be three hours, with the flight arriving at 3:30 pm, followed by the commencement of boarding procedures

On a final note the Nigerian aviation industry, including airlines, can certainly improve their treatment of fellow Nigerians

Onboard passengers display concern and raise eyebrows.

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