Police arrest Hafsat Abubakar over fake OPay shutdown notice

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested Hafsat Abubakar over the circulation of a fake notice claiming that OPay Digital Services Limited was shutting down its operations.

The police said the false communication, which was designed to appear as an official statement from OPay, carried the company’s logo, corporate branding and a purported management signature, misleading members of the public and creating concern among customers.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the NPF-NCCC launched an investigation after the fake notice began circulating online.

The police said digital forensic analysis and online tracing led operatives to the X handle @HAIFAH_ER_ABBA, linked to Abubakar, who was arrested on September 4, 2026.

The statement said the suspect allegedly posted the notice on her X account and later shared it through another account, @CUTE_HAFSERH, where she tagged social media influencers.

The post was accompanied by the caption: “REMOVE YOUR MONEY NOW.”

The police said the message gained about 572,000 views within minutes, potentially causing panic among OPay users.

Three Apple mobile phones were recovered from the suspect as exhibits.

The Force said preliminary investigation showed that Abubakar claimed she obtained the notice from a WhatsApp status.

The NPF-NCCC added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the creation and spread of the false communication, as well as identify other individuals who may have been involved.

The police said the suspect and anyone else found culpable would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the cybercrime centre for tracing the source of the publication and arresting the suspect.

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