“Delete It Or Face Court!” — OPay Issues Midnight Ultimatum Over Viral ‘Indefinite Break’ Claim
By Passman Akpos
LAGOS— OPay Digital Services Limited has threatened legal action against an X user, Cute Hafserh (@haifah_er_abba), over a publication alleging that the digital financial services company was preparing to embark on a “long indefinite break.”
In a formal demand dated August 31, 2026, and signed by Akinfolabi Moses Rokosu, Chief Legal Counsel, OPay described the publication as “false, malicious, unlawful, libellous and defamatory,” alleging that it was capable of causing reputational and commercial damage to the company.
According to the letter, OPay became aware of the publication on August 30, 2026. The company alleged that the post misinformed members of the public that OPay would be going on a prolonged indefinite break and advised customers to withdraw funds held in their OPay accounts.
OPay strongly rejected the claim, maintaining that the publication had no factual, legal or ethical basis.&The company further alleged that the post had caused damage to its brand and business operations, warning that it would pursue available legal remedies if the publication was not withdrawn.
OPay Sets Midnight Deadline&The fintech company demanded that Cute Hafserh permanently delete the post and desist from reproducing or disseminating the alleged false information on X or any other platform.
OPay also demanded a clear and unequivocal retraction as well as an unreserved apology.The letter gave the X user until 11:59 PM West Africa Time on August 31, 2026, to comply with the demands.
“Take notice that your action has caused irreparable damage to us and we shall take all appropriate legal action against you and shall pursue all remedies available to us,” the letter stated.
The demand has drawn attention to the potential consequences of publishing unverified claims about financial institutions, particularly statements capable of triggering panic among customers.
OPay Moves To Protect Public Confidence
The dispute comes amid the growing importance of digital financial platforms in Nigeria, where millions of customers rely on fintech services for transfers, payments and other financial transactions.
A claim that a major digital financial platform is shutting down or taking an indefinite break could potentially create anxiety among customers and prompt attempts to withdraw funds.
OPay’s legal response appears aimed at countering the alleged claim and preventing its further circulation.
As of the publication of this report, the letter does not establish that legal proceedings have already been filed against Cute Hafserh. It constitutes a formal demand by OPay for the removal, retraction and apology over the disputed publication.
The X user’s response to the demand was not included in the document made available for this report.
Tarakirivoice will continue to monitor the development, including any response from Cute Hafserh or further legal action by OPay.
