UPDATE: Hackers Successfully Breach Phones Of Dangote And Otedola, Prompting Urgent Ransom Demands From Intruders

 

Tension has gripped Nigeria’s business landscape after reports emerged that the mobile phones of prominent industrialists Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola were compromised by hackers over the past week. Sources close to both figures confirmed that cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to their devices, immediately issuing financial demands.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man, experienced two separate breaches within a 48-hour period, raising concerns about the scale and sophistication of the attack. Otedola, Chairman of FirstHoldCo Plc, was also targeted, though insiders indicated his phone suffered a single intrusion. At this stage, it remains uncertain whether the businessmen have fully regained control of their devices or if any sensitive information was stolen.

Those familiar with the situation disclosed that the hackers were quick to demand ransom, though specific figures or conditions of the extortion remain unclear. It is also not yet confirmed whether either Dangote or Otedola has involved law enforcement in responding to the cyberattack. The incident has reportedly caused alarm among Nigeria’s corporate elite, highlighting vulnerabilities even at the highest levels of wealth and influence.

The relationship between Dangote and Otedola, often described as brotherly, stretches back decades and spans both friendship and business collaborations. Their mutual support is well-known, with Otedola attending recent events where Dangote unveiled ambitious expansion plans for his refinery. The refinery, currently operating at 650,000 barrels per day, is set to scale up to 1.4 million barrels, a move industry observers believe will have lasting economic impact.

Otedola publicly praised Dangote’s determination and investment strategy, describing the industrialist as “Africa’s pride.” He emphasized that the refinery project is designed to benefit generations of Nigerians and Africans, rather than serving individual interests. Otedola stressed that such legacy investments would endure, shaping economic opportunities and national prosperity long after the founders are gone.

The cyber intrusion underscores the growing threats posed to high-profile figures in Nigeria’s business community, reflecting broader global trends of ransomware and targeted hacking. As digital platforms become central to both personal and professional operations, the risk of similar attacks is expected to increase unless robust security measures are implemented.

Business analysts note that the attacks on Dangote and Otedola, aside from posing potential financial consequences, also carry reputational risks and may prompt other prominent Nigerians to review their cybersecurity protocols. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even influential leaders with vast resources are not immune to the modern digital threat landscape.

Efforts to fully assess the scope of the breaches are reportedly ongoing, with both business magnates likely coordinating with cybersecurity experts to secure their communications and prevent further compromise. Meanwhile, the broader public watches closely, given the prominence of both figures in Nigeria’s economic and industrial sectors, and the potential ripple effects of any leaked information.