The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has apprehended a 27-year-old university graduate, Hafsat Abubakar, for her involvement in generating and disseminating a forged notice alleging that financial technology provider OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down its service network.
The arrest was confirmed by Force Public Relations Officer Anietie Iniedu during a media briefing at NPF-NCCC headquarters in Abuja.
Law enforcement launched the operation after receiving a formal complaint submitted on August 31, 2026, by OPay Digital Services Limited through the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
Digital forensic tools trace false financial release to social media handle
Following the receipt of the complaint, cybercrime specialists used forensic analysis to locate the origin of the forged corporate communication.
Investigators traced the document to a post published on the X (formerly Twitter) platform under the account handle @haifah_er_abba.
On September 4, 2026, operatives arrested Abubakar, a Library and Information Science graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The fake release, titled “Official Note,” claimed that OPay would halt all financial transactions and account operations beginning September 1, 2026.
The document attempted to mirror official corporate communication but contained noticeable flaws, including an outdated logo design, spelling errors in the brand title, and an unfamiliar structural template.
OPay quickly dismissed the document, assuring customers that its platform remained secure and operational. Legal counsel for the fintech firm confirmed that the company engaged law enforcement and security services to pursue those responsible for generating financial panic.
Police officials warned that creating or distributing unverified, digitally fabricated content aimed at regulated institutions risks legal action due to the potential for economic disruption and panic.
Authorities confirmed that additional suspects identified during the investigation will face prosecution upon conclusion of the case.
The rise of digital banking and cybersecurity risks in Nigeria
OPay operates as one of Nigeria’s largest mobile money operators, offering digital wallets, peer-to-peer transfers, and payment processing services to millions of retail users and small micro-enterprises.
Modern mobile money operators handle millions of daily transactions, making them vital components of the national financial infrastructure.
Because digital payment providers hold a central role in day-to-day retail trade, false rumors regarding financial instability or operational shutdowns present significant risks to public confidence.
Fake news campaigns targeting financial service institutions can trigger panic fund withdrawals, disrupt payment systems, and damage market stability.
To curb these risks, the NPF-NCCC and federal regulatory agencies have stepped up enforcement against online impersonation, fake corporate documents, and coordinated misinformation efforts across social media networks.
Read Also: Digital nightmare: One-chance robbers target young people, take hefty fintech loans in PH
