The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested 27-year-old Hafsat Abubakar over the alleged creation and circulation of a fake document claiming that OPay was shutting down its operations in Nigeria.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this during a press briefing at the NPF-NCCC in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to the police, the investigation began after OPay Digital Services Limited submitted a formal petition on August 31, 2026, requesting the investigation and arrest of those responsible for creating and circulating the document.
The NPF-NCCC said its digital forensic tools traced the document to a post on the X handle @Hafsat_ER_ABBA, which it said was registered and operated by Abubakar. She was subsequently arrested on September 4, 2026.
The fake notice claimed that OPay would embark on an indefinite break from September 1 and advised customers to withdraw their funds. OPay dismissed the publication as false and assured customers that its operations would continue.
The fintech company had also sought assistance from the police and Department of State Services to identify those behind the rumour, warning that the misinformation could cause panic and financial disruption.
Reacting to the arrest, Nigerians shared different views online.
@Mauricefw1: She no even try hide the fake OPay shutdown letter. Police just track the X handle and pick her,next person wey go forge official notice go learn say this one no be joke.
@orissonline: If they no carry out serious persecution on these clowns, cyberbullying won’t stop.
@Anthonyednut: Why them go dey lay false report about my best online bank🤬
@Jaylomak: She must have been sponsored, thorough investigation should be carried out
@Street0racle: This is why you verify financial information before forwarding it. One fake screenshot can cause serious panic
@opinionfreaky: Knack them 50 years in jail.. Others will align
@anigspet: Welcome development….. Don’t post or spread fake story to damage people’s business
@Arokaa446733: When I saw the report I just laughed it off ,I didn’t even take it searious
@mentalk2tv: Wait a minute… hold up hold up.
They were able to track her? They can’t track terrorist? Bandits? We have a great tracking system and we can’t get access to these animals? Okay
