Police Trace Forged Document to Hafsat Abubakar’s X Account as Authorities Warn Against Financial Misinformation.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform | September 11, 2026.
ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Hafsat Abubakar, over the alleged creation and circulation of a forged document claiming that leading fintech company OPay Digital Services Limited was shutting down its operations in Nigeria.
The development has drawn widespread attention after the fabricated notice went viral across social media platforms, generating concerns among OPay customers and prompting discussions about the potential consequences of spreading unverified information about financial institutions.
According to the police, the investigation began after OPay submitted a formal petition on August 31, 2026, requesting an urgent investigation into the origin of the document and the identification of those responsible for its creation and circulation.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed the arrest during a press briefing at the NPF-NCCC headquarters in Abuja.
He said investigators deployed digital forensic tools to examine the suspicious document and trace its source. The investigation reportedly linked the publication to an X account, @HAIFAH_ER_ABBA, which police said was registered to and operated by Abubakar.
Police operatives subsequently arrested the suspect on September 4, 2026. Authorities identified her as a graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
How the Fake OPay Notice Spread
The fabricated document was presented as an official OPay communication and reportedly claimed that the fintech company would stop processing transactions and account-related services from September 1, 2026.
The notice also advised customers to withdraw their funds ahead of the purported shutdown, a claim that had the potential to create unnecessary panic among millions of users.
OPay subsequently dismissed the document as false, reassuring customers that its operations remained fully active. The company also pointed out inconsistencies in the purported notice, including an outdated logo, a misspelt brand name and a design that did not correspond with its official communication materials.
The fintech company also confirmed that it was cooperating with security agencies to identify those responsible for the circulation of the false information.
Suspect Says She Deleted Post and Apologised
Following her arrest, Abubakar told journalists that she had deleted the post and issued a public apology after OPay informed her that the notice was fake.
She said she removed the post and apologised on the same day after the company drew her attention to the false information.
Abubakar subsequently advised Nigerians to verify information before publishing or resharing it on social media, stressing the importance of checking sensitive claims through reliable and official sources.
Her account has generated further public discussion about the responsibilities of social media users, particularly when dealing with information capable of affecting businesses, financial institutions and the public.
Police Warn Against Fake Financial Information
The police have warned that digitally fabricated information can have serious consequences, especially when it concerns banks, fintech companies and other institutions that handle citizens’ money.
According to the NPF-NCCC, false claims of this nature can trigger public panic, disrupt financial activities, undermine confidence in digital payment platforms and cause reputational damage to businesses.
The police therefore urged members of the public to verify sensitive information through official channels before publishing, forwarding or acting on it.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the police stating that anyone found culpable will face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The incident serves as another reminder of the growing challenge posed by misinformation and digitally manipulated content in Nigeria’s increasingly connected society.
As millions of Nigerians depend on digital banking and fintech platforms for everyday transactions, experts and regulators continue to stress the importance of responsible social media use, digital literacy and prompt verification of financial information.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform, will continue to monitor developments surrounding the case and other issues involving cybersecurity, digital finance, misinformation and public safety.
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