A 27-year-old woman, Hafsat Abubakar, had been arrested by the police over the creation and circulation of a forged document falsely suggesting that fintech company OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down its operations.
Penpushing reports that the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), explaining that the arrest followed a formal petition received from OPay Digital Services Limited on August 31, 2026.
The police spokesperson said the OPay Digital Services Limited requested an urgent investigation, tracing and apprehension of those responsible for creating and circulating the fraudulent document.
Penpushing further reports that Iniedu said the petition was submitted through the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja.
The Force Public Relations Officer stated that the document was falsely presented as an official communication issued by OPay Nigeria Limited, adding that the authorities immediately deployed digital forensic tools to examine the document and trace its origin.
“On the 31st of August 2026, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NCCC, received a formal petition from OPAY Digital Services Limited through the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, 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’, he said.
“Upon receipt of the approved petition, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NCCC, deployed digital forensic tools to analyse the content, which was traced to a post on the X handle, @haifah_er_abba, registered and operated by one Hafsat Abubakar’, Iniedu added.
Penpushing reports that he said police operatives subsequently arrested Abubakar, a female graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, on September 4, 2026
“On the 4th of September 2026, police operatives of the NCCC arrested one Hafsat Abubakar, a 27-year-old female graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,” he said.
Penpushing further reports that he said the incident demonstrated the dangers posed by digitally fabricated information, particularly when such content could trigger public panic, financial disruption and reputational damage.
The police spokesman,however, warned members of the public against sharing sensitive information without first verifying it through official channel, adding that the investigation was ongoing and assured that suspects found culpable would face prosecution after the conclusion of the investigation.
Penpushing also reports that it would be recalled that OPay had earlier denied a viral claim that it would shut down operations from September 1, 2026, describing the notice as false and urging customers to rely on its official communication channels.
The OPay’s Head of Corporate Communications, Folayemi Joshua, described the fabricated document titled “Official Note” as completely false and said the company remained fully operational.
Penpushing reports that the company equally pointed out inconsistencies in the document, including an outdated logo, a misspelt brand name and a layout that differed from its official communications.
The Chief Legal Counsel of the company, Akinfolabi Rokosu, had also confirmed that the company was working with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the source of the false information.
Penpushing further reports that the company warned that individuals deliberately spreading false information about its operations could face legal action.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
