The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Hafsat Abubakar, for allegedly creating and circulating a forged document claiming that fintech company OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down its operations.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the NPF-NCCC in Abuja.
Iniedu said the arrest followed a petition filed by OPay Digital Services Limited on August 31, 2026, seeking an investigation into the origin of the document and the identification and arrest of those responsible for its creation and circulation.
According to him, the petition was submitted through the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja.
He said the document was falsely presented as an official communication from OPay and was circulated on social media.
“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.
The police spokesman said the NCCC subsequently deployed digital forensic tools to analyse the document and trace its source.
“Upon receipt of the approved petition, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NCCC, deployed digital forensic tools to analyse the content, which was traced to a post on the X handle, @haifah_er_abba, registered and operated by one Hafsat Abubakar,” he said.
Iniedu said operatives arrested Abubakar on September 4 following the forensic investigation.
“On the 4th of September 2026, police operatives of the NCCC arrested one Hafsat Abubakar, a 27-year-old female graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,” he added.
The FPRO said the incident underscored the potential consequences of fabricated digital content, particularly false information concerning financial institutions and payment platforms.
He warned that unverified information capable of causing public panic, disrupting financial transactions or damaging the reputation of businesses should not be circulated.
Iniedu therefore urged members of the public to verify sensitive information through the official communication channels of organisations before sharing it on social media.
He said the investigation was still ongoing, adding that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted after the conclusion of the investigation.
The development followed OPay’s earlier denial of a viral claim that it would cease operations from September 1, 2026.
A fabricated document titled “Official Note” had circulated online, claiming that the fintech company would stop processing transactions and account services indefinitely from the date.
OPay’s Head of Corporate Communications, Folayemi Joshua, described the notice as false and assured customers that the company remained operational.
The company also identified apparent discrepancies in the document, including an outdated logo, a misspelt brand name and a format inconsistent with its official communications.
OPay’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Rokosu, subsequently said the company was working with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force to identify those behind the false publication.
The company also warned that persons who deliberately circulated false information about its operations could face legal consequences.
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