The Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a suspect, Hafsat Abubakar, in connection with a fabricated notice that circulated online falsely claiming OPay Digital Services Limited was shutting down its operations.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the fake notice was crafted to mimic an official corporate communication, complete with OPay’s logo, branding, and what appeared to be a management signature.
Police said the document could mislead the public and stir unnecessary panic among the fintech company’s customers.
Digital forensic investigators traced the notice to the X (formerly Twitter) handle @HAIFAH_ER_ABBA, identified as belonging to Abubakar, who was arrested on September 4, 2026.
Investigators said the suspect first posted the notice on that account before resharing it via a second handle, @CUTE_HAFSERH, tagging several social media influencers and adding the warning “REMOVE YOUR MONEY NOW.” She reportedly told police she had lifted the notice from a WhatsApp status update. Police said the post gathered roughly 572,000 views within minutes.
Three Apple phones were seized from the suspect as evidence. Police say the investigation continues in order to determine how the false notice was created and whether other individuals were involved, adding that all culpable parties will be prosecuted once the probe concludes.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu praised the NCCC operatives for the swift trace and arrest, and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to tackling cybercrime, impersonation, and the spread of false information online.
The police statement urged Nigerians to be cautious about unverified information circulating online, especially claims involving banks or financial platforms and to confirm such reports through official company channels before acting on them. The public was also encouraged to report suspicious online activity to law enforcement.
