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BETTING OR FRAUD: SportyBet in trouble over unpaid N950m winnings; customers petition EFCC

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Days of SportyBet company is numbered in the Nigeria communities as over 100 disgruntled customers of online sports betting

Days of SportyBet company is numbered in the Nigeria communities as over 100 disgruntled customers of online sports betting platform have filed petitions with multiple Nigerian authorities after the company allegedly withheld their winnings exceeding N950 million and locked them out of their accounts.

This is even as a Nigerian law firm, Prolex Solicitors has called for a full investigation into the activities of the online sports betting platform. The firm represents over 100 clients who alleged SportyBet refused to pay out their winnings.

Investigation revealed that many customers have been complaining about their winnings not paid while many were not given access to operate their accounts.

This was even as Betner’s recent controversy with Sportybet over some issues raised concerns about potential inadequate customer service.

One user, who began using Sportybet in November 2023, claims to have initially deposited N5 million . After successfully growing his account balance to nearly N18 million following successive winnings, he could no longer access his account as Sportybet had locked him out.

“I have been in contact with their customer care agent since then and anytime I provide the documents they requested from me, they will request for more ridiculous ones. The last request was my international passport.

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“I have pleaded and begged them to reopen the account to no avail,’’ the man, Anthony Anozie, said.

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This experience appears to be far from unique.

Several other users have come with similar stories.

One described having his account locked despite submitting requested document like bank statements. Communication with customer service has reportedly ceased entirely, leaving them with no answers and trapped funds.

“My problem with Sporty Bet is that my account has been locked for some time now and they refused to open it.

“I have sent the required documents their customer care agent asked me to send via email yet my account remains locked. Please I would like my account to be reopened. Thank you”, Aleke Esther shared her experience.

Another user specifically highlights the issue of account frozen upon attempting withdrawals.

They claim Sportybet requested verification documents like bank statements and even a passport, which were all submitted, yet their account remained frozen.

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This user, along with many others, described months of unanswered calls, emails, and chats with customer service representatives offering no solutions. These accounts paint a concerning picture of potential customer exploitation. Locked accounts, unresponsive customer service, and seemingly arbitrary verification requests raise serious questions about Sportybet’s practices.

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SportyBet attempted to justify their actions by alleging that the customers used “bot technology” and “illegal automated bets”, which prevented them from either getting their winnings or have access to their accounts.

However, independent IT experts have debunked these claims, raising questions about the legitimacy of SportyBet’s defense

As more users come forward, the need for a thorough investigation into these allegations becomes increasingly clear.

The need to involve anti-graft agencies and other regulatory bodies became imperative.

It was on this basis that over 100 customers of the online sports betting platform, SportyBet, who were refused payment of their winnings totaling over N950 million and access their accounts, took a decisive action in response to the company’s claims of fraudulent activity. This follows recent reports from IT experts who cast reasonable doubt on SportyBet’s accusations.

Unhappy with SportyBet’s explanation for withholding winnings, a group of affected customers have filed petitions with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), the Force Intelligence and Investigation Department (FIID), the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).

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The customers’ petitions, coupled with the IT experts’ findings, paint a concerning picture for SportyBet. These actions suggest the customers may have been unfairly denied their winnings. By seeking intervention from relevant authorities, the customers hope for a thorough investigation and a fair resolution.

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The involvement of the EFCC and the Police Special Fraud Unit highlights the seriousness of the situation. These organizations specialise in tackling financial crimes and fraud. Their involvement suggests a deeper look into SportyBet’s practices may be necessary.

The customers deserve clear explanations and transparency from SportyBet. With independent experts raising doubts about fraudulent activity, the responsibility falls on SportyBet to provide concrete evidence to justify their actions.

Customers who play by the rules deserve fair treatment and to receive their rightful winnings. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it has the potential to set a precedent for future disputes.

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Dangote Refinery Sets Date For Direct PMS Supply To 11 States 

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Dangote slashes petrol price as crude market softens

The Dangote Group has announced that its Dangote Petroleum Refinery will begin supplying petrol (PMS) directly to 11 states starting Monday, September 15, 2025. This information was shared in a press release on the Group’s official X account on Thursday.

The retail pump prices for petrol in the initial states will be set at N841 per litre for Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti. For Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara, the price will be N851 per litre.

Additionally, the gantry price for petrol is established at N820 per litre.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery begins direct supply of PMS with free delivery effective Monday September 15, 2025

“New Gantry Price is set at N820,” the statement read in part.

READ ALSO  FCCPC Recovers N10 Billion For Angry Customers From Banks, Fintech

To support petrol station operators, the refinery will provide free delivery of PMS to registered stations in the 12 states, with plans to gradually expand distribution nationwide. All station owners are invited to register to access these benefits. The move is expected to improve petrol distribution and supply consistency across the covered states.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest with a 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity, opened in 2024 to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol and strengthen energy security.

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In July 2025, it received 4,000 CNG trucks under a N720 billion investment programme, aimed at distributing 65 million litres of refined petroleum products daily, creating over 15,000 jobs, and saving Nigerians more than N1.7 trillion annually in energy costs. The initiative also seeks to improve efficiency in the downstream sector and revive dormant petrol stations.

READ ALSO  Dangote Refinery Sets Date For Direct PMS Supply To 11 States 

The refinery’s planned expansion into nationwide petrol distribution was initially scheduled for August 15, 2025, but is now set to begin on Monday, September 15, 2025. Preparatory challenges in early September included a three-day notice from the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), starting Tuesday, September 9, to suspend lifting and dispensing of petrol over concerns about fair competition.

Simultaneously, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) went on a two-day strike, which was later suspended following a DSS-convened meeting attended by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

READ ALSO  Wema Bank Surpasses CBN Capital Requirement With Successful N150 billion Rights Issue

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to resolve the dispute, mandating unionisation of willing employees from 9th to 22nd September 2025, prohibiting the creation of any other union, and ensuring no worker would be victimised due to the strike.

Signatories included Sayyu Dantata (Dangote Group), O.K. Ukoha (NMDPRA), Ojimba Jibrin (Dangote Group), Benson Upah (NLC), N.A. Toro (TUC), NUPENG President Akporeha Williams, General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, and Amos Falonipe representing the Federal Ministry of Labour.

 

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Wema Bank Surpasses CBN Capital Requirement With Successful N150 billion Rights Issue

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Wema Bank lifts MSMEs with N3m grants at fair

Wema Bank has successfully surpassed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) capital requirement for commercial banks with national authorization, a significant milestone achieved through the completion of a substantial N150 billion rights issue.

This important financial strategy positions the bank firmly ahead of the upcoming deadline of March 2026, as outlined in the CBN’s latest recapitalization framework.

In an official statement released on Thursday, Wema Bank proudly announced that its total qualifying capital has now reached an impressive N214.7 billion, comfortably exceeding the regulatory threshold of N200 billion.

The rights issue, which opened its doors on April 14, 2025, and closed on May 21, 2025, was a strategic response to the CBN’s directive aimed at fortifying the Nigerian banking sector.

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By embracing this initiative, Wema Bank has not only positioned itself as a leader in compliance but also as a robust player in the quest for sustainable development within the financial landscape of Nigeria.

“This rights issue was undertaken in response to the CBN’s directive on the recapitalisation of banks in Nigeria. With the successful completion and regulatory approval, Wema Bank has now met the N200 billion minimum capital requirement applicable to commercial banks with national authorisation,” the bank’s statement stated.

In addition to the rights issue, Wema Bank has concluded a N50 billion special placement, which is currently awaiting regulatory approval. This additional capital injection further reinforces the bank’s commitment to maintaining a strong capital base and supporting its strategic expansion initiatives.

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CEO Expresses Confidence
Commenting on the milestone, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, expressed confidence in the bank’s trajectory and the trust it enjoys from stakeholders.

READ ALSO  Dangote Refinery Sets Date For Direct PMS Supply To 11 States 

“As a growth-driven bank, the industry recapitalisation requirement came as a welcome mission, and we undertook it with full confidence. Our success in surpassing the N200 billion benchmark ahead of the 2026 deadline not only reinforces our strong financial standing as a bank, but also attests to the mutual trust and confidence that exists between Wema Bank and its shareholders,” Oseni said.

Earlier in May, Wema Bank had announced its intention to raise an additional N50 billion through a private placement as part of its broader strategy to meet and exceed the CBN’s capital requirements.

READ ALSO  FCCPC Recovers N10 Billion For Angry Customers From Banks, Fintech

At its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held electronically on May 22, 2025, shareholders formally adopted a resolution to secure this additional capital, signaling strong support for the bank’s growth agenda.

Under the CBN’s recapitalization framework, commercial banks with international authorization are required to maintain a minimum capital base of N500 billion, while those with national authorization, such as Wema Bank, must meet a N200 billion threshold.

Wema Bank’s swift and strategic response to these requirements highlights its resilience and forward-thinking leadership in Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.

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FCCPC Recovers N10 Billion For Angry Customers From Banks, Fintech

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FCCPC recovers N10 billion for angry customers from banks, fintech

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced an impressive total of N10 billion in recoveries for consumers who were wronged, following a series of complaints directed at banks, fintech companies, and other entities.

This information was revealed in a statement issued on Thursday, which was signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC.

The announcement comes in light of recent data that highlights the volume of consumer complaints received and subsequently resolved across major sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The data encompasses cases that were registered with the Commission between March and August 2025 and has been meticulously compiled from various complaint resolution platforms managed by the FCCPC.

“The top ten sectors by number of complaints received between March and August 2025 were led by banking (3,173 complaints), followed by Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FCMG) (1,543), fintech (1,442), and electricity (458).

READ ALSO  Wema Bank Surpasses CBN Capital Requirement With Successful N150 billion Rights Issue

“Other notable sectors included e-commerce (412), telecommunications (409), retail/wholesale/shopping (329), aviation (243), information technology (131), and road transport and logistics (114),” the Commission stated.

The Commission stressed that the data covers consumer grievances ranging from unfair charges, service failure, unauthorised deductions, deceptive marketing, poor disclosure of terms, product defects, and failure to provide redress within acceptable timelines.

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“The total number of complaints resolved during the reporting period was 9091, while total recoveries for consumers exceeded N10 billion (Ten Billion Naira), reflecting both the scale of harm experienced and the significant financial burden borne by consumers in the absence of effective redress,” the FCCPC added.

Reacting to the findings, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, said: “These numbers are not just statistics; they tell the story of consumer frustration, and the daily challenges Nigerians face in essential services. However, the FCCPC is determined to hold businesses accountable, ensure compliance with the FCCPA, and promote fair market practices that protect the welfare of all consumers.”

READ ALSO  FCCPC Recovers N10 Billion For Angry Customers From Banks, Fintech

The publication of sector-specific complaint data is said to align with the Commission’s mandate under Sections 17(a), 17(j) of the FCCPA 2018, which empower it to enforce consumer protection laws and make information on its functions available to the public.

According to the report, Banking is the dominant source of consumer complaints, both in volume and financial exposure, highlighting recurring issues in loan deductions, account charges, and transaction disputes, and reflecting public reliance on the FCCPC to intervene in systemic financial service challenges.

“Banking and fintech dominate by financial impact, showing consumer vulnerability where services are both essential and high value, signalling an urgent need for stronger joint regulation with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“With 458 reported complaints, the electricity sector ranks 4th overall, behind banking, financial services, and FCMG, highlighting persistent billing disputes, service delivery failures, and the need for stronger coordination between the FCCPC, NERC, state electricity regulatory agencies and electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

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“E-commerce disputes are relatively low-value but high-frequency, signalling broad consumer exposure at the retail level. While average monetary losses per complaint are low, the volume and recurrence of disputes (deliveries, refunds, counterfeit goods) reveal e-commerce as a growing consumer pain point,” the statement added.

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The Commission stated it is intensifying monitoring, enforcement, and collaboration with sector regulators to address these concerns.

The Commission encouraged regulated entities to study its data trends and strengthen internal mechanisms for handling consumer complaints, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and equitably.

Consumers were encouraged to continue reporting violations through the FCCPC complaint portal: complaints.fccpc.gov.ng, or FCCPC zonal and state offices.

 

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FirstBank Wins Appeal in Landmark Case Against General Hydrocarbons Ltd

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FirstBank Wins Appeal in Landmark Case Against General Hydrocarbons Ltd

First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) has secured a significant victory at the Court of Appeal in its case against General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) filed by their lawyers Babajide Koku SAN and Victor Ogude SAN, as reported by Nairametrics.

In its ruling on Thursday, 11 September 2025, the Court of Appeal set aside the earlier decision of the Federal High Court, Port. Harcourt, Obile J, which had dismissed FirstBank’s claims regarding the fraudulent diversion of proceeds from the sale of crude oil cargo pledged as collateral for loan facilities.

The dispute arose from crude oil aboard the FPSO Tamara Tokoni, which GHL had pledged to FirstBank as security for substantial loan facilities. Contrary to the terms of the pledge, GHL diverted the proceeds from the sale of the cargo, prompting the Bank to seek legal redress.

READ ALSO  FirstBank Wins Appeal in Landmark Case Against General Hydrocarbons Ltd

FirstBank filed an appeal challenging the trial court’s decision that had treated the matter as a simple debt recovery. The Court of Appeal, in its ruling, affirmed the maritime nature of the claim and emphasised the importance of preserving the Res, the crude oil cargo, as the central issue in dispute. The Court set aside the earlier order of the trial court vacating the order of arrest of the 2nd respondent.

READ ALSO  FCCPC Recovers N10 Billion For Angry Customers From Banks, Fintech

The appellate court allowed FirstBank’s appeal and set aside the Federal High Court’s ruling. It authorised the sale of the crude oil cargo aboard FPSO Tamara Tokoni, with the proceeds to be deposited into an interest-yielding escrow account under the custody of the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, pending the hearing and determination of the case at the trial court and the court of arbitration. The Chief Registrar was also appointed to take possession of the cargo and ensure its protection against dissipation or unauthorised disposition by any party.

READ ALSO  Wema Bank Surpasses CBN Capital Requirement With Successful N150 billion Rights Issue

This ruling marks a significant milestone for FirstBank and reinforces the Bank’s commitment to upholding the integrity of financial transactions and protecting the interests of its stakeholders.

FirstBank remains steadfast in its dedication to sound corporate governance, legal compliance, and the protection of its assets. The judgment of the Court of Appeal sets a strong precedent for the enforcement of collateral agreements and accountability in high-value commercial transactions.

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Naira Reduces Dollar Again As New Rate Emerges, See Price Today

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Naira opens at 1,130/$ after holidays break

There has been a surge of enthusiasm among many Nigerians as President Tinubu’s economic policies begin to yield promising outcomes.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has enacted more stringent controls while sustaining a lower exchange rate at the official windows. Click link to continue reading.

'No more N1,700/$ as naira appreciates three consecutive days

CBN retains interest rate at 27.5% — third time in 2025

READ ALSO  FirstBank Wins Appeal in Landmark Case Against General Hydrocarbons Ltd
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DOLLAR FALLS AGAIN: New exchange rate emerges

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10 best ways to earn dollars in Nigeria

The black market exchange rate for the dollar to naira continues to highlight Nigeria’s forex supply challenges, with many individuals and businesses relying on the parallel market for transactions.

CBN maintains tighter controls and a lower rate at official windows, limited access and allocation restrictions force most importers, businesses, and students abroad to turn to the parallel market, where prices reflect actual demand and supply pressures. Click link to continue reading.

READ ALSO  FCCPC Recovers N10 Billion For Angry Customers From Banks, Fintech

CBN retains interest rate at 27.5% — third time in 2025

5 things to know about Nigeria's $3.4 billion IMF loan repayment by Tinubu

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