NPF Cybercrime Centre Recovers Three Phones After False Notice Attracts 572,000 Views
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested Hafsat Abubakar over the circulation of a fake notice falsely announcing the shutdown of OPay Digital Services Limited.
The fabricated notice was designed to appear as an official corporate communication, using OPay’s logo, branding, company name and a purported management signature.
The police said the false publication had the potential to mislead customers and cause unnecessary concern among members of the public.
Following its circulation, NPF-NCCC operatives conducted digital forensic analysis and online tracing, which led investigators to an X account linked to Abubakar.
She was arrested on September 4, 2026, while three Apple mobile phones were recovered from her as exhibits.
Preliminary investigation showed that Abubakar allegedly posted the fake notice on her X account before sharing it through another account, where she tagged social media influencers and added the caption, “REMOVE YOUR MONEY NOW.”
The suspect reportedly told investigators that she obtained the notice from a WhatsApp status. The post allegedly attracted about 572,000 views within minutes.
The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the creation and dissemination of the fake notice and identify other persons who may have been involved.
The suspect and anyone else found culpable will be charged to court after the investigation is concluded.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the NPF-NCCC for tracing the publication and arresting the suspect.
The Force urged Nigerians to verify information concerning financial institutions through their official communication channels before acting on it and to report suspicious online activities to law enforcement authorities.