Police arrest influencer over fabricated OPay shutdown document

The Force National Cybercrime Centre has detained Hafsat Abubakar, a 27-year-old social media personality operating under the handle @haifah_er_abba, in connection with a forged shutdown notice targeting OPay Digital Services Limited. The arrest was confirmed during a press briefing in Abuja on September 9, 2026, by Force Public Relations Officer Anietie Iniedu.

Abubakar is accused of fabricating and distributing a fraudulent document that falsely claimed the Nigerian fintech company would shut down operations. OPay filed a formal petition with police authorities on August 31, 2026, triggering the investigation that led to her apprehension.

The cybercrime centre subsequently conducted a forensic examination of the materials in question. The circulation of the fake shutdown notice represents a case of misinformation targeting a major player in Nigeria's digital financial services sector.

OPay operates as a prominent fintech platform used by millions of Nigerians for mobile money transfers and payment services. The false claim, had it gained wider traction, could have sparked panic among the company's user base and damaged public confidence.

The arrest underscores ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat cyber-related offenses and document forgery in Nigeria. The National Cybercrime Centre has been increasingly active in pursuing cases involving fraudulent online content and digital impersonation.

The Force Public Relations Officer's formal announcement of the case indicates the seriousness with which authorities are treating such infractions in the digital space.