OPay Denies September 1 Shutdown as Viral Rumour Triggers Customer Panic

OPay Digital Services has dismissed as false and malicious a viral social media publication claiming that the fintech company would suspend operations from September 1, 2026, reassuring customers that its services remain fully operational.

The fabricated notice, which circulated widely across social media and messaging platforms on Sunday, was presented as an “Official Note” from OPay Digital Services Limited and advised customers to withdraw or transfer their funds immediately ahead of an alleged “long indefinite break”.

The claim triggered panic among some users, with reports of customers making precautionary withdrawals. A Point of Sale operator, Ifeanyi Udodi, said he moved part of his money to another account upon receiving the news, while student Halimatu Idris said she confirmed from a staff member that the information was fake.

Reacting to the speculation, OPay issued a statement on its verified social media platforms declaring, “This is false. OPay is not going on break by September. We’re here, and we’re going nowhere!”.

The company pointed out several red flags in the viral publication, including an incorrect logo, spelling errors, an unfamiliar communication format, and the misspelling of the brand name as “Opay” with a lowercase ‘p’ instead of the official “OPay”. “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 company said.

OPay’s Vice President of Public and Government Affairs, Dr. Maxwell Loko, described the publication as “false, malicious and misleading” and warned customers against making financial decisions based on fabricated information. “OPay is not shutting down, and customers should not be misled into withdrawing their funds based on fabricated information,” he said.

Loko also warned that the deliberate dissemination of false information capable of causing panic or undermining confidence in a financial institution could have legal consequences.

The company urged customers and the public to disregard the publication and rely exclusively on its verified communication channels for official information on its operations. “Always verify before you share. Filter the noise! Follow our official pages for authentic OPay updates,” the company advised.

This is not the first time OPay has had to debunk similar false claims. In March, reports circulated suggesting the company’s offices had been sealed by authorities over tax issues, while in 2024 a separate message claimed OPay was leaving the Nigerian market.

In November 2025, the company again dismissed rumours that it had shut down, assuring customers that accounts and deposits remained safe and accessible.

OPay reaffirmed that its offices across the country, including Lagos and Abuja, remain open and fully operational, and customers, merchants, and partners continue to receive its services without disruption.