Business

Rebuttal: Aiteo Debunks Pointblanknews’ Fictitious Report

Published

4 years ago

July 14, 2022

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

Bank

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

Published

2 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

_By AGP News

*UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS* — In a move signaling a push into international markets, the Royal Throne of the United Kingdom of Atlantis on Sunday announced the corporate transformation of Atlantian Crown Bank LLC into *Arizona Global Bank LLC*, as part of a wider restructuring to position the institution for global banking and financial innovation.

The announcement was made at a press conference in the UKA capital by *HRM Queen Amb. Cletus C. Leaticia*, Chief Executive Officer of the newly named bank. She told reporters the rebranding marks _“more than a name change”_ and reflects a strategic pivot toward digital finance, cross-border investment, and modern banking standards.

_“This transformation represents our commitment to innovation-driven banking and our vision to become a globally competitive financial institution,”_ Queen Leaticia said.

*Licensing Process Underway*

According to the Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, which issued the official communication, Arizona Global Bank LLC has formally begun the process of applying for a *Banking Operational Licence* under UKA’s financial regulatory framework.

Once licensed, the bank plans to operate as a modern financial enterprise focused on four pillars:

1. Innovation-driven banking and digital financial solutions

2. Corporate financing and structured investment services

3. International financial partnerships and cross-border trade facilitation

4. Financial inclusion initiatives

Bank officials stressed that the institution will _“maintain strict compliance with all banking regulations and supervisory standards”_ set by UKA financial authorities.

*Strategic Shift Amid Global Ambitions*

Management described the rebranding as part of a broader restructuring initiative to _“strengthen the bank’s international identity, expand its global financial footprint, and align operations with contemporary banking standards.”_

Representatives called the licensing and rebranding process a _“major milestone”_ aimed at supporting economic growth, international trade, and cross-border investment initiatives.

*No Disruption to Existing Commitments*

Addressing potential concerns from clients and partners, management reassured stakeholders that _“all existing institutional commitments, operational objectives, and long-term strategic plans remain fully intact throughout the transition process.”_

The Royal Throne indicated that further updates on the licence approval, commencement of operations, corporate partnerships, and investment programmes will be released through official UKA and Arizona Global Bank LLC channels.

_The Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, Royal Throne of United Kingdom of Atlantis, issued the official statement._

Bank

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Published

3 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading Nigerian financial institution, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reporting Gross Earnings growth of 45.6% from N1.04 trillion in 2024 to N1.52 trillion in FY 2025, reflecting stronger topline momentum across core business segments.

The Group recorded a Profit Before Tax of N347.7 billion. This performance was underpinned by a 38.7% year-on-year increase in interest income to N1.11 trillion (FY 2024: N803.1 billion) and a 44.7% year-on-year rise in fees and commission income to N113.4 billion (FY 2024: N78.4 billion).

On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 18.6% year-on-year to N10.46 trillion (FY 2024: N8.82 trillion), while customer deposits increased by 16.1% year on year to N6.89 trillion (FY 2024: N5.94 trillion), reflecting continued franchise strength and growing customer confidence in the brand. Net loans and advances declined by 2.4% year-on-year to N4.28 trillion (FY 2024: N4.39 trillion) as customers paid down on their mature obligations.

The Bank also strengthened its capital position during the period, with eligible capital rising to N561 billion, above the regulatory minimum of N500 billion for banks with international authorisation. In addition, capital adequacy remained robust, with Capital Adequacy Ratio of 30.94 percent as at 31 December 2025 (FY 2024: 23.47 percent).

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Business

ALIKO DANGOTE FOUNDATION’S FORGES PARTNERSHIP WITH ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK

Published

5 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ALIKO DANGOTE FOUNDATION’S FORGES PARTNERSHIP WITH ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK

Ms. Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director & CEO of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) in company with Mr. Ahmed Iya, Head of Community Engagement & Polio Eradication of ADF visited Dr. Rami Ahmad, Vice President (Operations) of the Islamic Development Bank at IsDB Headquarters in Jeddah.

The delegation used the occasion to highlight the activities of the Foundation so far which made great impact on people of all races by enhancing opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden empowerment opportunities for individuals and communities.

Dr. Rami also expressed his expectation of a good and rewarding partnership between the two organisations, as many member countries of the IsDB face pressing debt challenges that constrain their investments in people and livelihoods.