Business

MTN probes top officials over sexual harassment, fraud claims

Nigeria’s telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria is probing allegations of sexual harassment and fraudulent activities against some top officials of the company.

The telco also confirmed The Star’s report that the Chief Sales and Distribution Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Adekunle Adebiyi, has resigned in the midst of the allegations.

Some aggrieved workers under the aegis of ‘The Anonymous Whistle Blowers’,

had accused the Chief Sales and Distribution Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Adekunle Adebiyi, of “sleeping with young female staff.”
The whistleblowers also accused Adebiyi of “inflating contracts, receiving kickbacks and inventing false sales figures to deceive the organisation’s leadership and continue to keep his coveted role.”

Also, another set of aggrieved workers under the aegis of ‘Anonymous Concerned Staff of Sales and Distribution Division’ had in an email sent to the leadership of MTN Group in South Africa and MTN Nigeria, alleged that Adebiyi along with General Manager of Northern Regional Operations, Amina Dambatta, and some other senior officers of the organisation are involved in fraudulent activities and other misconduct.

MTN Nigeria, in a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Group and signed by the Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, assured that these allegations will be treated with fairness and objectivity.

The telco said: “MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria) confirms receipt of anonymous allegations made against a senior officer through the company’s whistleblowing structures in May 2021. These allegations were taken through MTN Nigeria’s governance structures.

“An extensive forensic investigation was conducted by an independent forensic team examining issues included in the whistleblower’s submission. Specific details and substantiating evidence were not provided to support some of the allegations made.

“Prior to the release of media reports on this issue, the MTN Nigeria Board had taken a decision on the separation of the concerned individual and he has disengaged from the employ of the company.

“Publicised allegations made against other employees were received through the whistleblowing process on 3 March 2022. Per company policy, these allegations will also be treated with the same level of fairness and objectivity. Parties will be given the opportunity for their versions to be heard and considered along with supporting evidence to ensure all associated issues are adequately addressed.”

The telecommunications firm expressed its commitment to a safe environment devoid of discrimination and sexual harassment.

“MTN Nigeria is committed to providing a safe environment for all its employees free from discrimination on any grounds and harassment at work, including sexual harassment, and conducting business in accordance with extant laws. The company operates a zero-tolerance policy for any form of unethical practice in the workplace. All complaints of sexual harassment and other violations are taken seriously and treated with respect sensitivity and in confidence,” Ukpanah said.

The Star