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 fake document claiming that fintech company OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down its operations.
The arrest was disclosed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, during a press briefing at the NPF National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
According to the police, the investigation followed a formal petition submitted by OPay Digital Services Limited on August 31, 2026, requesting the authorities to investigate and identify those behind the production and circulation of the alleged fraudulent document.
The police said its National Cybercrime Centre subsequently deployed digital forensic tools to examine the document and trace its source.
Investigators reportedly traced the material to a post on an X account identified as @Hafsat_ER_ABBA, which the police said was registered to and operated by Hafsat Abubakar.
Police operatives subsequently arrested Abubakar on September 4, 2026.
Iniedu identified the suspect as a graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The controversy began after a document titled “Official Note” went viral on social media, claiming that OPay would stop processing transactions and account-related services indefinitely from September 1, 2026.
The message also advised OPay customers to withdraw their funds from the platform as soon as possible.
OPay, however, quickly dismissed the publication as false and assured customers that its operations remained normal. The company urged users to rely on its verified communication channels for information concerning its services.
The fintech company had also pointed out apparent inconsistencies in the viral document, including an outdated logo, an incorrect spelling of the company’s name and a layout that differed from its official communications.
OPay subsequently petitioned the authorities, leading to the investigation that resulted in Abubakar’s arrest.
The police said the investigation is still ongoing and warned members of the public against creating or circulating fabricated digital content, particularly information capable of causing public panic, financial disruption or reputational damage.
The NPF-NCCC added that anyone found culpable would face prosecution after the conclusion of the investigation.
