MTN Group distances chair from fake social media accountMTN Group distances chair from fake social media account

MTN Group has issued a warning that criminals are impersonating the chairman of its board of directors, Mcebisi Jonas, assuming his identity on social media platform X.

The telecommunications group said in a statement that it had discovered an X account impersonating Jonas and spreading falsehoods.

"Jonas does not have an official X account. We note that any views shared on the account are not the views of our chairperson and MTN Group and are taking the necessary steps to have this taken down and addressed," MTN Group said in a statement.

(Source: MTN Group)

This is the second time MTN Group's chairperson has been targeted on social platforms.

In 2023 the company announced that Jonas had been impersonated, with fraudsters seeking to extract money from their unsuspecting victims.

"MTN has been made aware of incidents related to the false solicitation of funding under the guise of requests for sponsorships or raising of funds towards various causes," MTN Group said in a statement at the time.

"In the most recent case, the fraudster or fraudsters reached out via voice call from various non-listed numbers and introduced himself as MTN Group chairman of the board, Mcebisi Jonas, or at times, the fraudster may ask for funds to rescue the group chair from some 'danger' or 'difficult situation'," the group explained back in 2023.

Related:MTN extends dominance in Nigeria

MTN Group troubles

MTN Group has recently been putting out fires left, right and center.

The Group's Nigerian operation increased the prices of its mobile data plans last week following the approval of a 50% tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission in January 2025.

That increase led to users complaining that some packages had been hiked by as much as 200% instead of the 50% approved by the regulator.

MTN Nigeria apologized for the 200% increase, calling the development a mistake and asking for understanding from subscribers.

However, MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola defended the 50% tariff hikes by mobile network operators, saying they are essential for the survival of the telecoms industry in Nigeria.

In September 2024, the telco's board came out in support of its Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita after favoritism allegations surfaced in the media.

In December 2024, the Group extended Mupita's employment contract until August 31, 2030.

In August 2024, MTN reported a half-year loss as the sharp devaluation of the Nigerian naira and ongoing conflict in Sudan negatively impacted its earnings.

In January 2025, MTN concluded the sale of its operation in Guinea-Conakry to the State of Guinea.