Amanze Chinonye
Hackers have reportedly infiltrated the mobile phones of Aliko Dangote, CEO of Dangote Group, and Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo Plc, according to an exclusive report by TheCable.
Sources close to the business leaders revealed that Otedola’s phone was compromised once, while Dangote’s device was allegedly breached twice over two days. The attackers are reportedly demanding money from both men. It remains unclear whether they have fully regained control of their phones.
The incidents highlight a growing threat of cybercrime targeting high-profile individuals in Nigeria. Mobile phone hacking for financial gain has been on the rise, with the Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) warning of increasing malware and banking trojans affecting smartphones.
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Neither Dangote nor Otedola has publicly commented on the alleged breaches, and it is unknown whether law enforcement, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been involved.
Dangote and Otedola, who share a long-standing friendship and often describe each other as “brothers,” are among Nigeria’s wealthiest and most influential figures. Otedola recently attended an event where Dangote announced plans to expand 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,” adding that the refinery project would benefit generations of Nigerians and Africans.
This latest cyber breach adds to a string of attacks on prominent Nigerians. In 2024, the phones of Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State, and Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun State, were hacked, prompting public alerts to caution against financial scams sent from the compromised numbers.
If confirmed, the Dangote-Otedola breaches could prompt Nigeria’s business elite to strengthen digital security measures to safeguard their devices and financial data from cybercriminals.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
