The Nigeria Police Force has arrested Hafsat Abubakar, a 27-year-old graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for allegedly creating and circulating a forged document claiming that fintech company OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down its operations.
The arrest followed a formal petition by OPay Digital Services Limited on August 31, 2026.
A Viral Hoax That Caused Panic
ValidViewNetwork gathered that the Nigeria Police Force has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Hafsat Abubakar, over the alleged creation and circulation of a forged document claiming that fintech company OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down its operations.
The arrest was announced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, during a press briefing at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
The InvestigationIniedu said the investigation followed a formal petition submitted by OPay Digital Services Limited on August 31, 2026, seeking the investigation and arrest of those behind the document.
“On the 31st of August 2026, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre received a formal petition from OPay Digital Services Limited … 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.
Tracking the Source
The police said the NCCC subsequently deployed digital forensic tools to analyse the document and trace its origin.
“Upon receipt of the approved petition, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre deployed digital forensic tools to analyse the content, which was traced to a post on the X handle, @Hafsat_ER_ABBA, registered and operated by one Hafsat Abubakar,” he said.
The police spokesman said operatives arrested Abubakar on September 4, 2026.
The Suspect
Hafsat Abubakar is a graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The Fake Notice
The rumour, which circulated on social media, claimed that the fintech would embark on an indefinite break and stop processing transactions and account-related services from September 1, 2026.
However, OPay described the claim as false and malicious, assuring customers that it has no plans to stop its operations.
“OPay is not going on break by September. We’re here, and we’re going nowhere!” the company said in a social media post.
The fintech also urged customers to be cautious of unofficial information circulating online.
A Lesson for Nigeria
The arrest of Hafsat Abubakar is a reminder that fake news is not a victimless crime.
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A single post can cause panic, disrupt businesses and erode public trust. The same people who spread misinformation will never allow their own families to be victims of such deception. Their families are protected.
For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: the internet is not a lawless space. The same leaders who celebrate digital freedom must also be willing to enforce digital responsibility. Think before you share. Verify before you post. And never forget that your words can have real-world consequences.
