POLICE ARREST SUSPECTS OVER VIRAL FALSE OPAY SHUTDOWN CLAIM

POLICE ARREST SUSPECTS OVER VIRAL FALSE OPAY SHUTDOWN CLAIM

The Police National Cybercrime Centre (NPCC) has arrested a woman identified as Hafsat and other suspects over the circulation of false reports alleging that fintech company OPay had shut down its operations in Nigeria.

The arrests followed the spread of a viral message on social media claiming that OPay would cease operations in the country, a development that caused concern among customers and users of the payment platform.

OPay had earlier dismissed the claim, describing it as false and assuring customers that its services remained fully operational with no plans to shut down its Nigerian operations.

Confirming the arrests, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anietie Iniedu, said the suspects allegedly circulated misleading information capable of creating panic among the public and damaging the company’s reputation.

According to the police, investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the false information and the extent of the suspects’ involvement in its dissemination.

The development comes after OPay disclosed that law enforcement agencies were investigating those responsible for spreading the rumour.

The police have advised Nigerians to verify information before sharing it on social media, particularly reports relating to banks, fintech firms and other financial institutions, warning that the spread of false information could have serious consequences.