# OPay misinformation and legal response

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/opay-misinformation-and-legal-response
> Updated: 2026-09-08T23:04:06.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 3.

Fintech company OPay has been addressing viral social media rumors claiming the platform would undergo an indefinite operational shutdown starting September 1, 2026. The company initially debunked these claims, noting that the fraudulent notices used an outdated logo and incorrect branding to incite panic among customers.

Following the spread of this misinformation, OPay escalated its response by requesting investigations from the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS). The company stated that the rumors are capable of “disrupting the Nigerian financial system and causing financial losses.” Chief Legal Counsel Akinfolabi Rokosu confirmed the company is cooperating with law enforcement and has provided evidence to identify those responsible. OPay has also issued legal threats against specific parties, including social commentator Adamu B. Garba II and ViralGrabTVNG, demanding retractions and apologies for what it describes as “false, malicious, and defamatory” claims.

On September 4, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) arrested 27-year-old Hafsat Abubakar for allegedly circulating a forged notice. The fraudulent document, which gained approximately 572,000 views, reportedly urged followers to “REMOVE YOUR MONEY NOW.” Digital forensic analysis traced the publication to Abubakar’s social media handles. While police recovered three mobile phones during her arrest, the incident has sparked public debate, with some calling for compassion toward the suspect after she reportedly complied with requests to delete the post and apologize.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Nigeria Police arrest woman for spreading fake OPay shutdown notice

Nigerian police arrested Hafsat Abubakar for circulating a viral, forged notice falsely claiming OPay Digital Services Limited was shutting down its operations.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/waec-official-summoned-by-nigerian-police-over-defamation-allegations

### 2026-09-01: OPay seeks police and DSS investigation into shutdown rumors

Fintech firm OPay has called on Nigerian security agencies and launched legal threats to combat social media rumors claiming the company is shutting down, asserting that the claims are false and harmful.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/opay-seeks-police-and-dss-investigation-into-shutdown-rumors

### 2026-08-30: OPay denies viral rumors of September operational shutdown

OPay has debunked viral social media rumors claiming a September 2026 shutdown. The company issued a formal warning and legal threat to a user who spread the false information, which has since been retracted.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/opay-denies-viral-rumors-of-a-september-2026-shutdown

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