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Dangote and Otedola Hit by Phone Hackers Amid Rising Cyber Threats
Two of Nigeria’s most influential business moguls, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, have reportedly fallen victim to phone hacking attacks, heightening concerns over the growing wave of cybercrime targeting high-profile individuals.
RELATED: Fraudsters hack Akwa Ibom Governor’s WhatsApp, attempt to defraud contacts
Sources reveal that Otedola, Chairman of FirstHoldCo Plc, was hacked once, while Dangote, Africa’s richest man, suffered two breaches within 48 hours. In both cases, the attackers allegedly demanded ransom.
A source close to the matter confirmed:
“The hackers are asking for money from both men.”
Details about the compromised data, ransom amounts, or ongoing law enforcement involvement remain unclear at press time.
A Growing Threat: High-Profile Nigerians Under Attack
Cyber intrusions targeting influential figures are becoming increasingly common in Nigeria. Last August, the WhatsApp account of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno was hacked in a similar incident, further exposing the vulnerability of public figures.
These attacks reflect a broader trend of escalating digital risks including:
- Malware-based phone attacks
- SIM swap fraud
- Social engineering scams
- Unauthorized device access
Despite aggressive crackdowns by the EFCC, cyber-fraud—popularly known as Yahoo-Yahoo—remains widespread.
Cybersecurity Experts Advise Tightening Phone and App Protections
Cybersecurity analysts are urging Nigerians—especially high-net-worth individuals—to reinforce phone security measures.
Experts recommend:
- Enabling WhatsApp two-step verification with email linkage
- Activating App Lock features requiring PIN or passcode
- Using stronger device passwords
- Avoiding suspicious links and download requests
- Regularly updating phone software and security patches
These steps, analysts say, significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
Business Community on Edge as Investigations Continue
Dangote and Otedola—longtime friends who often describe each other as “brothers”—have not publicly commented on the breach. However, the incident has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s business community, raising fears of a broader coordinated cyber-attack on wealthy individuals and corporations.
Security experts warn that these incidents underscore the urgent need for stronger digital security policies, improved cyber hygiene, and heightened vigilance against phishing attacks.
As investigations unfold, stakeholders are watching closely, concerned that these breaches may be a sign of an expanding and sophisticated wave of cybercrime targeting the nation’s elite.
