The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested a woman in connection with the spread of a fraudulent notice claiming that OPay Digital Services Limited was shutting down operations, in a case highlighting the growing threat of digital impersonation and misinformation targeting financial institutions.
The suspect, identified as Hafsat Abubakar, was apprehended on September 4, 2026, after investigators traced the viral post to her X account, @HAIFAH_ER_ABBA. According to the NPF-NCCC, Abubakar is alleged to have posted the fake corporate notice on her handle and then amplified it through a second account, @CUTE_HAFSERH, where she tagged several social media influencers and added the urgent caption: “REMOVE YOUR MONEY NOW.”
The fabricated document was designed to mimic an official OPay communication. It carried the company’s logo, corporate branding, company name, and a forged management signature and endorsement. The notice falsely announced the immediate shutdown of OPay’s operations, a claim the police said was capable of misleading millions of customers and triggering panic withdrawals.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the NPF-NCCC said it launched a digital forensic analysis immediately after the notice began circulating online. Investigators tracked the origin of the post and linked it to Abubakar’s accounts.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect published the notice on her X handle and subsequently shared it through another X handle where she tagged social-media influencers,” the statement read. “She stated that she obtained the notice from a WhatsApp status.”
The post gained traction rapidly. Police said it recorded approximately 572,000 views within minutes of being published, raising concerns about how quickly false information can spread across platforms and influence public behavior, particularly around financial services.
During the arrest, operatives recovered three Apple mobile phones from Abubakar. The devices have been taken in as exhibits and will be subjected to further forensic examination.
The NPF-NCCC said investigation is ongoing to determine who created the original fake notice and to identify other persons who may have participated in its creation and distribution. The Force stated that Abubakar, and any other individuals found culpable, will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, commended the cybercrime operatives for their swift action in tracing the source of the publication and effecting the arrest.
“The IGP reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating cybercrime, digital fraud, impersonation and the circulation of false information through digital platforms,” CSP Iniedu stated on behalf of the police chief.
The arrest comes amid rising cases of online scams and fake alerts targeting fintech customers in Nigeria.
Financial experts have warned that false notices about bank or wallet shutdowns can cause real financial harm, erode public trust in digital payment systems, and create unnecessary crowding at agent points.
The Nigeria Police Force is urging Nigerians to be more cautious about information shared online, especially content relating to banks, mobile money operators, and other financial institutions.
“Members of the public are advised to verify such information through the official communication channels of the concerned institution and promptly report suspicious online activities to the appropriate law-enforcement authorities,” the statement said.
OPay has not issued any notice about shutting down operations. The company continues to provide services to millions of users across Nigeria.
The police added that the case will serve as a warning to those who use social media to spread disinformation for clicks, influence, or malicious intent.
Authorities say cybercrime units are intensifying monitoring of platforms like X, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram for similar campaigns ahead of the busy end-of-year financial period.
As at press time, Abubakar remained in custody as investigators work to unravel the full network behind the fake notice.
