Breaking! Distressed Alert, Call For Massive Withdrawal’: Opay bank issues statement
…as massive cash withdrawals continue
By Ime Silas
One of the leading Nigerian fintech companies, OPay, has issued a firm public rebuttal and legal warning following a viral post alleging that the digital bank would be shutting down indefinitely, a claim that triggered panic and calls for mass withdrawals among users on Sunday.
The controversy began on August 30, 2026, when an X user identified as Cute Hafserh, with the handle @haifah_er_abba, published a post stating that OPay, one of Nigeria’s largest digital banking platforms, would be “going on an indefinite break”.
In the same post, Hafserh urged customers to immediately withdraw all funds held in their OPay accounts.
The post quickly gained traction across X, WhatsApp groups, and Facebook, with screenshots circulating widely. Given that millions of Nigerians rely on OPay for transfers, bill payments, and savings, the message sparked concern among users, particularly those who use the app for daily transactions and small business operations.
In a swift reaction, OPay addressed the claim directly on its official social media channels. The company described the information as “false, malicious, libelous, defamatory” and said it was designed to cause unnecessary panic and reputational damage.
OPay gave the X user an ultimatum, demanding that the post be permanently taken down on or before 11:59pm on August 31, 2026.
Part of the company’s public warning read:
“TAKE NOTICE!!!
OPay takes the publication and circulation of false and misleading information seriously.
This is a formal warning against the continued publication and circulation of false and misleading information concerning OPay.
If you’re considering spreading false information about OPay, Consider this your warning.
#OPayIsOkay”
The statement was accompanied by a formal demand notice signed by OPay’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Moses Rokosu.
In the notice addressed to Hafserh, the company said the post had already caused harm to its brand and operations.
“Take notice that your action has caused irreparable damages to us and we shall take all appropriate legal action against you and shall pursue all remedies available to us,” the notice stated.
An agent of OPay who did not wish to be named in this report reiterated that the digital bank’s services remain fully operational and that customer deposits are safe.
He urged the public to disregard the viral post and to rely only on verified communication channels for updates.
It was observed that false alerts about bank instability can spread quickly in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, where many users depend on mobile money for everyday commerce.
Similar rumors in the past have led to temporary congestion on banking apps as users rush to withdraw funds, even when there is no underlying problem.
The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation have repeatedly warned against the spread of unverified information about financial institutions, noting that such posts can undermine confidence in the financial system.
OPay, which is licensed by the CBN and insured by NDIC, has grown rapidly over the last five years to become one of the most used fintech platforms in the country. It provides agent banking, peer-to-peer transfers, and merchant services, with a large network across urban and rural areas.
As of press time, the original post by @haifah_er_abba was still visible on X, but OPay said it was monitoring compliance with the takedown deadline. The company added that it will not hesitate to pursue civil and criminal remedies to protect its customers and reputation.
In spite of Opay’s official statement, most of its customers who spoke to our Correspondent said they have already withdrawn their cash from the digital platform as they were already apprehensive.
It was further learnt that OPay is urging users to stay calm and continue using its services normally. The hashtag #OPayIsOkay has also been promoted by the company to counter the viral claims and reassure customers.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation targeting digital banks in Nigeria, and the legal and communication steps companies are now taking to respond in real time.
