The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested 27-year-old Hafsat Abubakar for allegedly fabricating and circulating a false document claiming that fintech company OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down operations.
Force Public Relations Officer Anietie Iniedu disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference at the NPF-NCCC in Abuja.
According to Iniedu, the arrest followed an official petition from OPay Digital Services Limited on August 31, 2026, requesting an immediate investigation and the arrest of those responsible for creating and circulating the fake document.
He said OPay submitted the petition through the Abuja office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
He also added that the document was falsely presented as an official communication issued by OPay Nigeria Limited.
“On the 31st of August 2026, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NCCC, received a formal petition from OPAY Digital Services Limited through the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, requesting urgent investigation, tracing and apprehension of persons responsible for the creation and simulation of a fraudulent document falsely presented as an official communication issued by OPay Nigeria Limited,” Iniedu said.
According to the FPRO, the NCCC immediately deployed digital forensic techniques to investigate the document and trace its source.
Iniedu said police arrested Abubakar on September 4, 2026.
The police spokesperson also cautioned the public against sharing private information without first verifying it through official channels.
He said the investigation was ongoing and assured that authorities would prosecute anyone found guilty after completing the inquiry.
Backstory…
Recall that OPay previously dismissed a widely circulated rumour claiming that it would cease operations on September 1, 2026. The company described the claim as false and urged customers to rely on its official communication channels.
A fake document titled “Official Note” circulated on social media, claiming that OPay would permanently stop processing transactions and providing account services on September 1.
Folayemi Joshua, Head of Corporate Communications at OPay, described the message as “completely false” and said the company continued to operate normally.
The company also pointed out several inconsistencies in the document, including an outdated logo, a misspelt brand name and a layout that differed from its official communications.
Read Also: OPay Debunks Viral Shutdown Rumour, Tells Customers Not to Panic
