Panic hit social media across Nigeria as a doctored “Official Note” began circulating rapidly, claiming that fintech giant OPay Digital Services would suspend all operations and go on an “indefinite break” starting Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
The fake publication urged millions of users to urgently withdraw or transfer their funds out of their accounts immediately to avoid losing their money. Unsurprisingly, the malicious broadcast triggered anxiety among depositors, leading to a wave of precautionary withdrawals.
However, OPay has moved swiftly to quell the fire, categorically dismissing the report as false, malicious, and entirely fabricated.
“Look for the Red Flags”: OPay Reassures Depositors
Releasing an official statement titled “This is False!” across its verified social media channels, OPay reassured its massive customer base that operations remain 100% active and uninterrupted.
“OPay is not going on break by September. We’re here, and we’re going nowhere! True OPay users know how to identify our official communications. Take a closer look at the viral post, and you’ll spot the red flags.”
The management urged members of the public to stop spreading unverified broadcasts and to “filter the noise” by relying strictly on authenticated OPay handles for company news.
Legal Consequences Ahead for Saboteurs
Addressing the situation, Dr. Maxwell Loko, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs at OPay Digital Services, warned that deliberate acts of financial sabotage will not be taken lightly.
Loko emphasized that fabricating false news to destabilize a financial institution and induce public panic is a criminal offense.
“The deliberate spread of false information designed to cause panic or undermine confidence in a financial institution is a serious matter and may have legal consequences,” Loko stated, calling on users to remain calm as all customer funds remain completely safe.
Industry observers note that this is not the first time digital financial institutions in Nigeria have targeted market manipulation through panic-inducing viral hoaxes. OPay reaffirmed that its digital platform, mobile app, and physical branch network across Lagos, Abuja, and other states remain fully operational.
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