Police arrested a 27-year-old graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, on September 4 over a fake notice claiming OPay would shut down its operations in Nigeria.
The suspect, Hafsat Abubakar, was taken into custody by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre after digital forensics traced the fraudulent document to her X account, @Hafsat_ER_ABBA. Her arrest followed a petition OPay submitted to the police on August 31 through the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.
The fintech company asked investigators to trace and apprehend those responsible for creating and distributing a document made to look like an official OPay communication. The fake notice claimed OPay would stop processing transactions and account-related services from September 1, 2026. It also advised customers to withdraw their funds to avoid being affected.
OPay dismissed the notice as false and assured customers that its services remained available. The company said the document contained several signs it was not genuine, including an outdated logo, an incorrect spelling of the brand name, and a design that did not match its official communication materials. The company later said it was working with the police and the Department of State Services to identify those behind the false information.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, said OPay petitioned the police over the circulation of the fraudulent document. Iniedu said investigators used digital forensic tools to examine the document and trace its origin. The investigation led officers to the X account registered and operated by Abubakar, who the police identified as a graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University.
The police said the case shows the potential consequences of fabricated digital information, particularly when false claims involving financial institutions can create public panic, disrupt business activities, and damage a company's reputation. The investigation is still ongoing, and the police said anyone found culpable would face prosecution after the conclusion of the investigation.
OPay has repeatedly urged customers to verify information through its official communication channels before acting on messages shared on social media or messaging platforms. The company remained operational after September 1, the date mentioned in the fake notice, and later reaffirmed that there was no plan to suspend its Nigerian operations.
The arrest comes as Nigerian authorities step up efforts to curb the spread of false information about financial institutions. Fake notices and rumors about bank failures or service shutdowns have circulated on social media in the past, prompting regulators and companies to issue warnings about verifying information before acting on it.
Abubakar's arrest is not the first time Nigerian police have detained individuals over online misinformation targeting financial institutions. The NPF-NCCC has handled several cases involving fake documents and announcements designed to mislead the public about banking and fintech services.
The police have not released further details about what evidence was found on Abubakar's devices or accounts beyond the digital forensic tracing of the document to her X account. They have also not said whether she acted alone or in connection with others.
OPay, one of Nigeria's largest fintech platforms, has millions of users who rely on its services for payments, transfers, and other financial transactions. The company's quick dismissal of the fake notice and its cooperation with law enforcement reflect the seriousness with which it treats attempts to disrupt its operations or undermine customer confidence.
The case also raises questions about how easily fabricated documents can spread on social media and what responsibility platforms have in curbing the distribution of such material. The fake notice was designed to look official, complete with OPay branding, but contained errors that the company said made it easy to identify as fraudulent.
For customers, the incident serves as a reminder to check official channels before acting on financial information shared online. OPay has said it communicates with customers through its official website, app, and verified social media accounts.
The investigation into the fake OPay shutdown notice continues. The police have said anyone found culpable will face prosecution once the investigation is concluded.
According to Pulse.ng.
