Freetown, 15th October 2026- Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, has issued a public warning over several fake Facebook accounts allegedly impersonating him and using his name, photographs and official position to deceive members of the public.
In a statement, the minister said he does not own, operate, authorise or endorse four Facebook accounts bearing the names “Julius Daniel Mattai” or “Julius Mattai”, stressing that the accounts do not represent him or the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources.
He cautioned that any statements, messages, offers, promises or requests made through the accounts should not be regarded as official communications from either himself or the ministry.
The minister further warned the public, investors, mining companies, development partners and other stakeholders against sending money, sharing personal or banking information, disclosing passwords or verification codes, or engaging in transactions based on communications from the suspected accounts.
According to the statement, the fraudulent profiles should not be relied upon for matters relating to employment opportunities, contracts, mining licences, investment proposals or access to government officials.
Mattai also called on those behind the accounts to immediately cease the alleged impersonation activities, warning that attempts to deceive the public, solicit funds, spread false information or damage his reputation could result in investigations and legal action under Sierra Leonean law.
He encouraged members of the public to report the fake profiles to Facebook through the platform’s reporting mechanisms. Individuals who may have received suspicious messages or suffered financial losses were advised to preserve relevant evidence, including screenshots, correspondence and transaction records, and report the matter to law enforcement authorities.
The minister urged the public to independently verify any communication attributed to him through established ministry contact channels before acting on it.
“Remain vigilant. Do not engage. Do not pay. Verify and report,” the statement concluded.
