The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Hafsat Abubakar, for allegedly creating and circulating a fraudulent document claiming that fintech company OPay was shutting down its operations in Nigeria.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during a press briefing in Abuja.
According to the police, the investigation began after OPay Digital Services Limited submitted a formal petition on August 31, requesting that security agencies identify and apprehend those behind the fake document.
Police said digital forensic analysis traced the document to a post on the X account @Hafsat_ER_ABBA, allegedly operated by Abubakar.
She was subsequently arrested by NCCC operatives on September 4, 2026.
The fake notice had claimed that OPay would stop processing transactions and account-related services from September 1, 2026, and advised customers to withdraw their money.
OPay had earlier dismissed the information as false, assuring customers that its operations remained normal. The company also pointed out several signs that the document was fabricated, including an outdated logo, a misspelt brand name and a format inconsistent with its official communications.
The police said the incident highlights the dangers of digitally fabricated information, particularly when false claims about financial institutions can cause panic, financial losses and disruption of public confidence.
The investigation is still ongoing, and the police said anyone found culpable would face prosecution after the investigation is concluded.
For OPay users: OPay has not announced any shutdown. Customers should ignore social-media messages claiming otherwise and verify sensitive information through OPay’s official communication channels.