(L-R): Dangote, Otedola
By Chuks Okoye
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 have had their phones compromised within the past week, with the intruders making direct financial demands.
The mobile phone of Otedola, Chairman of FirstHoldCo Plc, was hacked once, while that of 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 said.
Details about the nature of the demands, the extent of data stolen, or whether security agencies have been alerted remain unknown.
The incident adds to a growing list of cyber breaches targeting high-profile Nigerians.
In 2024, two state governors, Bassey Otu of Cross River and Ademola Adeleke of Osun, had their phones hacked by scammers.
Otu’s phone was compromised in Feb. 2024, with the criminals sending messages pretending to be the governor seeking financial help.
In July 2024, Gov Ademola Adeleke of Osun issued an urgent public alert after his mobile phone with number: +234 803 365 7555 was breached by hackers who were using it to send messages soliciting for assistance from innocent individuals.
