The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Hafsat Abubakar, over the alleged creation and circulation of a forged document claiming that fintech company OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down its operations.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed the arrest during a press briefing at the NPF-NCCC in Abuja.
Iniedu said the investigation began after OPay Digital Services Limited submitted a formal petition to the police on August 31, 2026.
The company asked the police to investigate and arrest those responsible for creating and circulating a fraudulent document presented as an official communication from OPay.
“On the 31st of August 2026, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NCCC, received a formal petition from OPAY Digital Services Limited through the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, requesting urgent investigation, tracing and apprehension of persons responsible for the creation and simulation of a fraudulent document falsely presented as an official communication issued by OPay Nigeria Limited,” Iniedu said.
How the fake OPay notice spread
The forged document, titled “Official Note”, claimed that OPay would stop processing transactions and account-related services indefinitely from September 1, 2026.
It also urged customers to withdraw their money before the purported shutdown.
The message spread across social media at a time when millions of Nigerians use OPay for transfers, payments and other financial services, raising concerns among customers.
OPay quickly dismissed the claim as false and said it had no plans to suspend its operations.
“OPay is not going on break by September. We’re here, and we’re going nowhere!” the company said in a statement circulated after the rumour emerged.
The fintech also warned customers against relying on unofficial information and advised them to verify claims through its official communication channels.
OPay pointed out several signs that the document was fake, including an outdated logo, a misspelt version of the company’s name and a format that did not match its official communications.
Police trace document to X account
According to the police, investigators used digital forensic tools to analyse the document and trace its origin to an X account allegedly operated by Abubakar.
“Upon receipt of the approved petition, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NCCC, deployed digital forensic tools to analyse the content, which was traced to a post on the X handle, @haifah_er_abba, registered and operated by one Hafsat Abubakar,” Iniedu said.
The police said Abubakar was arrested on September 4.
She is a graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, according to the police.
Another report said the suspect allegedly shared the notice on another X account and tagged social media influencers.
The post reportedly carried the caption, “REMOVE YOUR MONEY NOW.”
Police said the publication recorded about 572,000 views within minutes, increasing the potential for panic among OPay customers. Three Apple mobile phones were also recovered from the suspect as exhibits.
Suspect claims she got notice from WhatsApp
During preliminary investigations, Abubakar allegedly told investigators that she obtained the purported shutdown notice from a WhatsApp status.
The police said further investigation was underway to establish how the document was created, who was behind it and whether other people were involved in its circulation.
The NPF-NCCC said the investigation would continue until all those found culpable were identified.
The police also warned Nigerians against creating or circulating unverified information capable of causing public panic, financial disruption or damage to businesses.
OPay remains operational
OPay continues to operate its financial services in Nigeria.
The company’s official website currently lists services including fund transfers, bill payments, debit cards and other financial products. It also states that OPay is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.
OPay has also maintained customer-service channels through its app, physical offices and telephone lines.
The company has previously warned customers about fraudulent communications and advised users to rely on its official platforms rather than suspicious messages or websites.
The police said the investigation into the fake shutdown notice remains ongoing and that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted after the investigation is concluded.
