The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Hafsat Abubakar, over the alleged creation and circulation of a fake document claiming that OPay Digital Services Limited was shutting down its operations in Nigeria.
The arrest followed a formal petition submitted by OPay Digital Services Limited on August 31, 2026, requesting an investigation and the identification of those responsible for producing and circulating the fraudulent document.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed the development during a press briefing at the NPF National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Iniedu, the police deployed digital forensic tools to examine the document and trace its source. The investigation allegedly linked the material to a post on an X account operated by Abubakar.
Police operatives subsequently arrested her on September 4, 2026. Iniedu identified Abubakar as a graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The forged document had been presented as an official communication from OPay and falsely claimed that the fintech company would suspend transactions and account-related services indefinitely from September 1.
OPay had earlier dismissed the notice as completely false and assured customers that its operations remained fully functional. The company also pointed out inconsistencies in the document, including the use of an outdated logo, an incorrect spelling of its brand name and a layout that did not match its official communications.
The false notice had urged OPay customers to withdraw their funds, raising concerns that the misinformation could cause panic among users and potentially disrupt confidence in the financial technology platform.
OPay subsequently confirmed that the police and the Department of State Services were investigating the origin and circulation of the message. The company also said it was cooperating with the authorities and pursuing legal action against those responsible.
The police said the investigation remains 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 said anyone found culpable would face prosecution after the conclusion of the investigation.
