OPAY CALLS IN SECURITY AGENCIES AS FAKE SHUTDOWN CLAIMS TRIGGER CONCERN

OPay Digital Services Limited has asked the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate false information circulating online that the fintech company is planning to shut down its operations.

The company said the misleading claims, which have been spreading across social media, could cause unnecessary panic among customers and potentially disrupt confidence in Nigeria’s financial system. OPay has therefore engaged the relevant security agencies to identify the individuals behind the circulation of the information.

OPay’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Rokosu, disclosed the development during a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday. He explained that the company had provided evidence to the security authorities to assist their investigation into the source and distribution of the alleged shutdown information.

According to the fintech company, the claims are false and should not be relied upon by members of the public. OPay said it remains operational and urged its customers not to be influenced by messages asking them to withdraw or transfer their funds because of an alleged impending closure.

The company said it was taking the matter seriously because false information concerning a major financial services provider could have consequences beyond individual customers. It maintained that misleading claims capable of triggering panic withdrawals or other unusual financial activity could undermine confidence in the broader financial system.

OPay also disclosed that it intends to pursue legal action against individuals found responsible for creating and circulating the false information. The company said those responsible would be held accountable through the appropriate legal channels.

The shutdown rumour had circulated online ahead of September 1, with a purported publication claiming that OPay would embark on a prolonged break from operations and advising customers to move their money elsewhere. OPay previously described the publication as fake and malicious.

The latest action by the company means the matter has now moved beyond a simple public clarification, with security agencies expected to investigate the origin of the claims and determine whether any individuals deliberately attempted to cause financial or reputational damage to the fintech firm.

OPay has consequently reassured its customers that its services remain available while encouraging users to rely on verified communication channels for information about the company and its operations.

The development comes as digital financial platforms continue to play an increasingly important role in Nigeria’s payment ecosystem, making public confidence and accurate information particularly important for fintech companies and their millions of users.