Police Arrest 27-Year-Old Woman Over Fake OPay Shutdown Notice

Hafsat Abubakar/Opay

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested 27-year-old Hafsat Abubakar over the alleged creation and circulation of a fake OPay shutdown notice.

The notice reportedly claimed that OPay would suspend its operations in Nigeria indefinitely from September 1 and urged customers to withdraw their funds.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed the arrest during a press briefing at the NPF-NCCC in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the police, the investigation followed a formal petition submitted by OPay Digital Services Limited on August 31, 2026, requesting that those responsible for producing and circulating the document be identified and arrested.

The NPF-NCCC said its digital forensic investigation traced the document to a post published through the X account @Hafsat_ER_ABBA, which investigators said was registered and operated by Abubakar.

Police said Abubakar was subsequently arrested on September 4, 2026, following the investigation.

OPay had earlier dismissed the purported shutdown notice as false and assured its customers that the company remained operational.

The fintech company also sought assistance from the police and the Department of State Services to identify the people behind the publication, expressing concern that the false information could create unnecessary panic and potentially cause financial disruption.

The police investigation is focused on allegations that the document was deliberately created and circulated to mislead members of the public about OPay’s operations.

The development has generated reactions online, with some Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those responsible for spreading false information.

The arrest also highlights the growing concerns surrounding the use of social media to circulate fabricated corporate announcements, particularly when such claims could influence customers’ financial decisions.

Authorities have continued to warn members of the public against creating or sharing unverified information capable of causing panic, confusion or financial losses.