Police arrest woman for fake OPay shutdown rumor that triggered customer panic

NPF-NCCC arrested 27-year-old Hafsat Abubakar on September 4, 2026, for creating and spreading a forged document falsely claiming OPay was shutting down operations. The suspect, a Library Science graduate from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, was traced through digital forensics after OPay petitioned police over the viral social media post that caused customers to withdraw funds fearing shutdown.

The fake news sparked panic among OPay users despite the company processing ₦358 billion in transactions in 2025 (88.1% of its revenue from Nigeria). OPay confirmed it remains fully operational nationwide, with the false threat capable of undermining financial confidence and causing significant losses as warned by its legal counsel.

Police urge Nigerians to verify sensitive financial information through official channels before sharing or acting on it, noting ongoing investigations will lead to prosecution. Will you now double-check alarming fintech rumors via OPay's app or website before moving your money?

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/09/10/police-arrest-suspect-behind-fake-opay-shutdown-report/