A fake shutdown notice went viral. Customers reportedly started pulling money from their accounts. Now, police say they have arrested a 27-year-old woman allegedly linked to the document.
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested Hafsat Abubakar, a 27-year-old graduate, over her alleged involvement in producing and circulating a forged document claiming that fintech company OPay was preparing to end its operations in Nigeria.
Police said Abubakar was arrested on September 4, 2026, following an investigation into the publication, which spread across social media and reportedly triggered anxiety among some OPay customers.
How the Investigation Started
The case began after OPay Digital Services Limited submitted a formal petition to security authorities.
The petition, received by the NPF-NCCC on August 31, called for an investigation into the origin and circulation of a document that was allegedly designed to look like an official OPay announcement.
The message reportedly claimed that OPay would suspend its Nigerian operations from September 1 and encouraged customers to withdraw their funds before the supposed closure.
As the claim spread, some customers reportedly reacted by attempting to move their money off the platform.
Police Trace Post to X Account
According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anietie Iniedu, cybercrime investigators subjected the publication to digital forensic analysis.
The investigation allegedly led officers to an X account operated by Abubakar.
Police subsequently arrested her on September 4.
Iniedu identified Abubakar as a 27-year-old graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
The police have not announced a final determination of her role in the alleged fraud, stressing that the investigation remains ongoing.
Why the Hoax Raised Alarm
The incident highlights a growing challenge for businesses operating in the digital economy: false information can move faster than official clarification—and its financial impact can be immediate.
Police said the fabricated OPay notice had the potential to damage public confidence and disrupt financial activity.
OPay also approached security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, over the viral claim.
The company’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Rokosu, said the report was considered serious because misinformation of that nature could undermine confidence in the financial system and potentially expose the company and its customers to substantial financial losses.
OPay: We Are Still Operating
OPay has rejected the shutdown claim and maintained that its Nigerian operations remain fully active.
The company warned that individuals responsible for creating and distributing the false information could face legal action.
The episode is particularly significant because of OPay’s footprint in Nigeria’s digital payments market.
According to figures from OPay’s 2025 audited financial statements, reviewed by Nairametrics, Nigeria generated 88.1% of the company’s total revenue during the year.
Indonesia accounted for 9.9%, Egypt for 1.6%, while other markets contributed the remaining 0.4%.
OPay Processed $358bn in Transactions in 2025
The company’s transaction figures also underline the scale of its Nigerian operations.
OPay reported a Gross Transaction Value of $358 billion in 2025, more than twice the $166.2 billion recorded in 2024.
That growth illustrates why a false announcement suggesting the company was leaving Nigeria could generate significant concern among customers and potentially trigger unusual financial activity.
OPay currently operates across Nigeria, Indonesia, Egypt and Pakistan, with Nigeria serving as its largest market.
Police Warn Public Against Sharing Unverified Claims
The NPF-NCCC said its investigation is continuing and warned that anyone found responsible for the alleged offence would be prosecuted according to the law.
Iniedu also urged Nigerians to verify sensitive financial information through official company channels and trusted sources before forwarding or acting on it.
The case serves as a reminder of how quickly a fabricated digital document can become more than a social-media rumour.
When a false message involves people’s money, a few clicks can have real financial consequences.
