Hackers have breached the mobile phones of two of Nigeria’s most influential businessmen, Aliko Dangote, chief executive of the Dangote Group, and Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo Plc.
Sources close to both camps confirmed that their devices were compromised within the last week. While Otedola suffered a single intrusion, Dangote’s phone was hacked twice in just two days.
It is not yet clear whether the two billionaires have fully regained control of their phones, but insiders say the attackers have already issued financial demands.
“The hackers are asking for money from both men,” TheCable reported.
Dangote and Otedola share a long-standing bond, frequently referring to each other as “brothers”. Their relationship has been marked by public support — Otedola was present when Dangote recently unveiled plans to expand his refinery’s capacity from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day.
Praising Dangote as “Africa’s pride”, Otedola said his friend’s legacy investments would shape the future.
“Aliko’s relentless commitment to investing in Nigeria and Africa will outlive him. These are legacy investments that will define generations,” he noted, adding that Nigerians will soon own part of the refinery — a project he sees as a shared vision for the continent.
Otedola, author of the bestselling Making It Big, recently increased his stake in First HoldCo Plc with the acquisition of 64.87 million shares valued at N2.01 billion.
