The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested 27-year-old Hafsat Abubakar for allegedly creating and circulating a forged document claiming that OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down its operations. The arrest was announced by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, during a press briefing at the NPF-NCCC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Investigation Triggered by OPay Petition
According to Iniedu, the investigation began after OPay Digital Services Limited submitted a formal petition to the police on August 31, 2026, seeking the identification and arrest of those responsible for producing and circulating the fake document. The petition was submitted through the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.
Iniedu said the fraudulent document was deliberately designed to appear as an official communication from OPay. He added that the cybercrime centre deployed digital forensic tools to examine the document and trace its source. The investigation allegedly led detectives to a post published on the X account @haifah_er_abba, which police said was registered and operated by Abubakar.
Suspect Arrested and Identified
“Upon receipt of the approved petition, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NCCC, deployed digital forensic tools to analyse the content,” Iniedu said. He added that police operatives arrested Abubakar on September 4. The suspect, according to the police, is a graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The arrest follows widespread circulation of a fabricated document on social media claiming that OPay would stop processing transactions and account services indefinitely from September 1, 2026. The notice, titled “Official Note”, was presented as though it had been issued by OPay and quickly attracted attention among customers and social media users.
OPay Denies Claim, Highlights Inconsistencies
OPay subsequently denied the claim, describing the document as completely false and assuring customers that its services remained operational. The fintech company also highlighted several inconsistencies in the document, including an outdated logo, a misspelt version of the brand name and a format that differed from its official communications.
OPay’s Head of Corporate Communications, Folayemi Joshua, urged customers to rely on the company’s verified communication channels for information about its services. The company’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Rokosu, had also confirmed that OPay was working with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the source of the false notice.
Police Warn Against Spreading Fake Information
The police said the incident highlights the potential consequences of digitally fabricated information, particularly when false claims concern financial institutions. Iniedu warned that such information could create public panic, cause financial disruption and damage the reputation of businesses. He advised members of the public to verify sensitive information through official channels before sharing it online.
Legit.ng earlier reported that OPay had moved to reassure millions of Nigerian customers after a viral social media publication claimed the fintech company would suspend operations from September 1, 2026. The claim, which circulated widely across social media and messaging platforms, reportedly urged customers to withdraw or transfer their funds before an alleged prolonged shutdown. However, OPay firmly rejected the report, describing it as false, malicious and misleading, and said it remains fully operational with no plans to shut down.
