Tension has gripped Nigeria’s business elite after reports emerged that hackers infiltrated the mobile phones of billionaire industrialists, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, demanding ransom.
Sources close to the businessmen confirmed to PLATFORM TIMES that Otedola’s phone, Chairman of FirstHoldCo Plc, was breached once, while Dangote, Africa’s richest man, suffered two separate cyber-attacks within 48 hours.
Although it remains unclear whether the moguls have fully regained control of their devices, insiders say the intruders wasted no time in issuing financial demands.
“The hackers are asking for money from both men,” said a source familiar with the incident.
Details about the extent of the compromised data, the nature of the ransom, and any law enforcement involvement were not immediately available as of press time.
Dangote and Otedola, who often refer to each other as “brothers,” have maintained a decades-long friendship and business partnership.
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 barrels per day.
Praising Dangote’s ambition, Otedola described him as “Africa’s pride,” adding that the refinery project would have a lasting impact on future generations.
“Aliko’s relentless commitment to investing in Nigeria and Africa will outlive him as these are legacy investments that will define generations. Soon, Nigerians will own part of this refinery, a powerful reminder that this vision is not just for Dangote, but for all Nigerians and Africans,” he said.
The cyber-attack comes at a time when concerns about digital security are rising among high-profile Nigerians, highlighting the growing threat posed by hackers targeting wealthy individuals.
Experts warn that incidents like this underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and vigilance against phishing and malware attacks.
As investigations continue, the business community watches closely, concerned that such attacks could signal a wider wave of cybercrime targeting the country’s elite.
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