In a fiery outburst that has sent social media into a frenzy, Nigerian rapper and songwriter Skales has openly dragged Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), labeling it the "worst bank in Nigeria." This declaration came in the heat of the ongoing saga involving social media influencer VeryDarkMan, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and GTBank itself. The controversy has quickly turned into a digital wildfire, engulfing the bank in a storm of allegations and public criticism.

The scandal erupted after reports surfaced that VeryDarkMan was arrested at GTBank's premises, allegedly following a delay attributed to the bank. While the exact details of the delay remain unclear, the influencer’s arrest has drawn strong reactions from fans and the public, many of whom view the incident as unjust and unnecessary. The bank, caught in the middle of the drama, has remained tight-lipped, but the backlash has only intensified with Skales' explosive statement.

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Skales didn't mince words as he recounted a deeply personal experience involving his late mother and GTBank. According to the artist, the bank repeatedly deducted funds from his mother's salary account without authorization, mishandled her account throughout her career, and never provided clear explanations for the discrepancies. Skales revealed that he had to personally reimburse his mother, convincing her not to take legal or public action because of her job.

"GTB @gtbank is a horrible bank… the worst bank in Nigeria. I wish my late mom was alive to tell you what they did to her salary… how her money was lost, and I had to beg her by compensating her because she wouldn’t quit her job until she retired… do not bank with GTBank," the rapper posted, his words resonating with thousands who echoed similar frustrations online.

Almost instantly, his tweet became a catalyst for an outpouring of grievances from other Nigerians who have had negative experiences with the bank. The comments section turned into an unofficial forum for customers to vent their anger, share shocking tales, and express long-held dissatisfaction. Some questioned the timing of Skales' revelation, while others recounted eerily similar encounters, including unauthorized deductions, frozen accounts, and customer service nightmares.

One user, @plato_vince, described waking up to a 300,000 naira debit alert with no clear explanation from the bank. After multiple complaints, the bank allegedly told him it was a “delayed debit,” an excuse he found absurd and unacceptable. “My account still reads minus till date,” he wrote. Others chimed in with stories about their parents' accounts being mismanaged, salaries disappearing without trace, and the seeming impossibility of getting refunds or redress from the institution.

For a bank once revered for innovation and customer service, the recent wave of criticism marks a sharp fall from grace. GTBank, a flagship Nigerian financial institution known for its sleek branding and digital banking solutions, has seen its reputation take a serious hit in recent years. Although many still rely on its widespread network and mobile banking platform, the complaints now gaining traction suggest deeper systemic issues that can no longer be swept under the rug.

The ripple effect of Skales' tweet extended beyond just complaints. Influential voices on X weighed in, questioning whether Nigerian banks are truly regulated in the interest of consumers and demanding greater transparency. Some called for investigations into the bank’s internal practices, while others warned other institutions that such public backlash could easily befall them if they fail to prioritize customer trust.

Interestingly, while many supported Skales for speaking out, others criticized him for generalizing the issue and telling people not to bank with GTBank. One user, @everytin_bec, reminded the rapper that he is a public figure and must be careful not to make blanket statements that could have wide-reaching consequences. “You forget you are a brand?” the user wrote, implying that public personalities have a duty to be more tactful, even in expressing frustration.

Yet, the overwhelming response suggested that the public has long been nursing a grudge against the banking sector and was simply waiting for a moment like this to erupt. GTBank's alleged role in the arrest of VeryDarkMan only added fuel to an already raging fire. As speculation continues to swirl around the circumstances of the influencer’s detention, public sentiment is clearly not in the bank’s favor.

While GTBank has not issued an official statement in response to Skales’ claims or the growing criticism, silence may not be enough this time. In an era where social media outrage can significantly damage a brand’s credibility, stakeholders in the banking sector are likely watching closely. The situation could prompt not only a PR response but also a broader conversation about customer protection, transparency, and the need for more responsive grievance channels in Nigeria’s financial industry.

As for Skales, his decision to speak out has earned him a mix of praise and critique, but one thing is clear — his voice has amplified a growing chorus of dissatisfaction with a bank once considered among the most dependable in the country. Whether GTBank can weather this storm and regain the public’s trust remains to be seen, but for now, the backlash shows no signs of slowing down.

In the fast-moving digital age, reputations can be built or broken with a single tweet. And with celebrities like Skales using their platforms to air grievances, brands — no matter how established — must be prepared to face the court of public opinion, where silence often speaks louder than words.