The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has traced the circulation of a false notice purporting to be an official communication from OPay Digital Services Limited and falsely announcing the shutdown of the company’s operations, leading to the arrest of Hafsat Abubakar and the recovery of three mobile phones.
The false communication was designed to appear as an official corporate notice, bearing OPay’s logo, corporate branding, company name and a purported management signature and endorsement. It falsely suggested that the company was shutting down its operations, which could mislead members of the public and cause unnecessary concern among customers.
After the false notice circulated, NPF-NCCC operatives began digital forensic analysis and online tracing to establish its source and identify those responsible for its dissemination. The investigation traced the notice to the X handle
@HAIFAH_ER_ABBA linked to Hafsat Abubakar, who was subsequently arrested by NPF-NCCC operatives on 4 September 2026.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect published the notice on her X handle and subsequently shared it through another X handle, @CUTE_HAFSERH, where she tagged social-media influencers and accompanied the post with the caption, “REMOVE YOUR MONEY NOW.” She said she got the notice from a WhatsApp status. The publication reportedly recorded approximately 572,000 views within minutes of being posted.
Police recovered three Apple mobile phones from the suspect as exhibits. Investigators are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the creation and dissemination of the false notice and to identify any other persons who may have been involved. The suspect, alongside any other person found culpable, will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has commended the operatives of the NPF-NCCC for their efforts in tracing the online publication and arresting the suspect. He reiterated the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to combating cybercrime, digital fraud, impersonation, and the circulation of false information through digital platforms.
The Force urged members of the public to exercise caution before acting on information circulated online, particularly information relating to financial institutions and services. Members of the public are advised to verify such information through the official communication channels of the concerned institution and promptly report suspicious online activities to the appropriate law-enforcement authorities.
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