Hackers Hack Phones of Dangote and Otedola, Demand Ransom

• Hackers have broken into the mobile phones of Nigerian billionaires Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, making direct financial demands after compromising their devices.

Hackers have reportedly broken into the mobile phones of two of Nigeria’s top billionaires, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola.

According to TheCable, both men had their phones compromised within the past week, with the intruders making direct financial demands. Otedola, Chairman of FirstHoldCo Plc, was hacked once, while Dangote — Africa’s richest man — suffered two breaches within 48 hours.

It is still unclear whether the business moguls have fully regained control of their devices, but sources say the attackers immediately demanded ransom.

“The hackers are asking for money from both men,” a source familiar with the situation told TheCable.

Details about the nature of the demands, the extent of data stolen, or whether security agencies have been alerted remain unknown as of press time.

Dangote and Otedola, who share a long-standing friendship and business relationship, have collaborated and supported each other publicly for years. 

Recently, Otedola attended an event where Dangote revealed plans to increase his refinery’s capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million bpd.

Praising Dangote’s vision, Otedola described him as “Africa’s pride,” saying the refinery would shape future generations.

DON’T MISS: Over 21 Turkish Investors Set to Participate in Abia–Turkiye Investment Summit

“Ongoing investments like these will outlive Aliko,” he said. “Soon, Nigerians will own part of this refinery, showing that this vision is for all Nigerians and Africans.”

This incident adds to a growing list of cyber breaches targeting high-profile Nigerians. In 2024, two governors, Bassey Otu of Cross River State and Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, had their phones hacked by scammers.

Otu’s phone was compromised in February 2024, with criminals sending messages pretending to be the governor seeking financial help.

In July 2024, Osun State issued an urgent public alert after one of Governor Adeleke’s phone numbers was breached.

His spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed the compromised number as +234 803 365 7555 and urged the public to ignore any messages from it.