Hackers Breach Dangote and Otedola’s Phones — And Demand Ransom Amid Billion-Dollar Deals

In a troubling reminder of how vulnerable even the most powerful business leaders can be in the digital age, hackers have reportedly breached the mobile phones of two of Africa’s most prominent billionaires, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola.

According to exclusive reports by TheCable, the attacks occurred within the past week. Dangote’s phone was hacked twice in two days, while Otedola’s was compromised once. Sources say the attackers made direct financial demands, though it remains unclear whether the business moguls have fully regained control of their devices.

The breach comes at a critical time for both businessmen: Dangote is pushing forward with a massive expansion of his refinery to 1.4 million barrels per day, while Otedola recently increased his stake in First HoldCo Plc by 64.87 million shares worth N2.01 billion.

A Personal Attack With Public Implications

Although cyberattacks on high-profile individuals are not new, this incident strikes a deeper chord. Dangote and Otedola, known for their decades-long friendship and often publicly referring to each other as “brothers,” now face a shared crisis.

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

The attack underscores the disturbing trend of cybercriminals targeting influential individuals for hefty payouts, and the ripple effects such breaches can have.

Cyberattacks Stress Vulnerabilities at the Highest Levels

This incident highlights a growing concern in corporate Africa: wealth and influence do not guarantee digital safety.

High-net-worth individuals are prime targets because of:

• Their access to confidential corporate decisions
• Their involvement in high-value investments
• The sensitive data stored on personal devices
• Their significant influence on market confidence

Mobile phones, often underestimated as simple communication tools, have become gateways to:

• Corporate emails
• Banking applications
• Investment portfolios
• Sensitive negotiations
• Executive communications

A single breach can compromise months of strategy, negotiations, and financial planning.

Potential Consequences: From Ransom to Corporate Disruption

Cybersecurity analysts warn that beyond the ransom demands, the bigger threat lies in what hackers may gain access to and what they may leak.

For Dangote

His ongoing refinery expansion is a multibillion-dollar project. A leak of sensitive financial models, negotiation documents, or contractor agreements could:

• Delay key construction phases
• Influence competing bids
• Expose internal communications

For Otedola

His recent major investment in First HoldCo Plc could be affected by:

• Market speculation
• Manipulation attempts
• Exposure of confidential investment strategies

Even rumours of data compromise can spook investors and influence market behaviour.

Experts Warn: No One Is Immune

Cybersecurity specialists recommend that high-profile figures adopt stronger digital defences, including:

• Encrypted communications
• Multi-layered security systems
• Frequent device monitoring
• Independent security audits
• Secure, isolated devices for sensitive work

These layers of protection are increasingly essential as cybercriminals become more sophisticated.

The report on Dangote and Otedola’s breach serves as a stark reminder: in today’s digital landscape, power and wealth are not shields, they are targets.