OPay's Legal Battles in Nigeria's Fintech Landscape

In the fast-paced world of Nigerian fintech, OPay has emerged as a powerhouse, boasting millions of users who rely on its mobile money services for everything from transfers to loans. Launched in 2018 by Opera Software, the company has grown exponentially, but with great success comes great scrutiny. As of December 2025, OPay finds itself entangled in a web of lawsuits, threats of litigation, and public outcry over issues ranging from data privacy breaches to unauthorized account freezes. These controversies not only highlight the challenges of operating in a regulated yet volatile market but also raise broader questions about trust, accountability, and the future of digital banking in Africa. Let's dive into the key cases shaking OPay's foundations and what they mean for users and the industry.

The Prophet's Prophecy: When Faith Clashes with Fintech

One of the more bizarre episodes in OPay's legal saga unfolded in October 2025, when the company threatened to sue Prophet Aliyu Barnabas of the Mercy and Grace Deliverance Ministry in Benue State. The prophet went viral after claiming in a sermon that OPay's app was "demonic" and predicted it would face severe glitches starting December 2025, potentially collapsing by January 2026. His words sparked panic among users, especially in a country where spiritual beliefs often intersect with daily life.

OPay swiftly dismissed the claims as baseless and harmful, emphasizing its status as a CBN-regulated entity with robust security measures. In a statement, the company vowed to pursue legal action against the prophet for defamation, arguing that such unfounded prophecies could erode public confidence and cause financial harm.

This case underscores a unique cultural tension in Nigeria: the blend of religion and technology. While OPay positions itself as a modern, reliable fintech, incidents like this remind us how misinformation, whether spiritual or otherwise, can spread like wildfire on social media, amplifying user fears.

Frozen Funds and Courtroom Drama: The Dikwa Lawsuit

Shifting from the supernatural to the very real, a high-profile lawsuit filed in February 2025 by businessman Suleiman Mohammed Dikwa against OPay Digital Services Limited highlights the perils of account management in fintech. Dikwa dragged OPay to the High Court in Jos, Plateau State, demanding N30 million in damages after his account was allegedly unlawfully frozen and funds were deducted without consent.

The trouble began in April 2024, when OPay froze Dikwa's account in accordance with a Sharia Court order from Kaduna State, deducting N28,592.92. Despite Dikwa's complaints, the freeze persisted, and an additional unauthorized withdrawal of N100,000 occurred due to a mistaken transfer. An audit in January 2025 confirmed the issues, but the resolution dragged on. Dikwa's suit seeks not just refunds and unfreezing but also compensation for violated rights

This isn't an isolated incident; similar complaints echo across X (formerly Twitter), where users vent about frozen accounts and unresponsive support. For instance, one frustrated user lamented being unable to access N1 million since October, pleading with OPay to act or face legal consequences. https://x.com/vonn_bassey/status/1998319423464112282?s=46

Cases like Dikwa's expose vulnerabilities in fintech's reliance on automated systems and third-party orders. In a market where many users are unbanked and depend on platforms like OPay for livelihoods, such freezes can devastate businesses and personal finances. It's a stark reminder that while fintech promises convenience, it must balance speed with due process.

Rumors, Shutdown Scares, and Defamation Threats

November 2025 brought another wave of turbulence when temporary app glitches fueled wild rumors on social media that OPay had shut down, wiped user accounts, or lost deposits. Panic ensued, with users scrambling to withdraw funds. OPay quickly debunked the claims, assuring customers that all funds were safe and the issues resolved. https://techpression.com/opay-dismisses-shutdown-rumours-threatens-lawsuit/

But the company didn't stop at reassurances—it threatened legal action against those spreading the "false, malicious, and misleading" information to protect its reputation. https://www.brandiconimage.com/2025/11/opay-refutes-social-media-rumours.html

This response came amid broader regulatory scrutiny. Earlier in the year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) debunked fake news that it had suspended OPay and peers like PalmPay over fraud allegations. In April 2024, OPay paused new customer onboarding during FX violation probes but resumed operations. These events paint a picture of a sector under siege from both internal glitches and external misinformation campaigns.

On X, the frustration is palpable. Users accuse OPay of aggressive loan marketing via unsolicited calls, even to non-customers, raising privacy concerns. One user threatened a lawsuit over persistent harassment, claiming it violated data protection laws. https://x.com/vonn_bassey/status/1998319423464112282?s=46

Another highlighted delayed transfers during emergencies, vowing to sue if unresolved. https://x.com/el_nino_nkem/status/1998288503692824592?s=46

These grassroots complaints could snowball into class-action suits, especially as fintech adoption surges.

Fraud Allegations and Broader Legal Entanglements

OPay's woes extend to fraud-related disputes. In July 2025, the company restricted an account holding N3 million donated for a mosque after fraud claims, only lifting it after media intervention and a court order. https://fij.ng/article/after-fijs-intervention-opay-complies-with-court-order-lifts-restriction-on-customers-n3m/

Earlier, a Federal High Court in Lagos allowed OPay to freeze accounts across 30 banks over a N714 million discrepancy. https://www.techinafrica.com/opay-secures-court-approval-to-freeze-accounts-after-%25E2%2582%25A6714-million-discrepancy/

And in a landmark ruling from November 2024, a court ordered OPay to pay N1.2 million in damages to a crypto trader for an unlawful freeze. https://www.asabametro.com/court-delivers-landmark-judgment-against-opay-orders-n1-2-million-in-damages-for-unlawful-account-freeze/

These cases reveal OPay's aggressive stance against fraud, but critics argue it sometimes overreaches, infringing on user rights. A report detailed OPay's embroilment in fraud allegations, including the mosque fund freeze, painting a picture of a company navigating a minefield of scams in Nigeria's digital economy. https://www.dconnectnews.com.ng/2025/10/opay-is-embroiled-in-web-of-fraud.html?m=1

L-R: Itoro Udoh, CSR Manager OPay, Odiase Ikponmwosa, Head Partnership Opay, Elizabeth Wang, Chief CommercialOfficer, OPay, Oladepo Lawal-Solarin, Director Social Services OPay, Isimeme Ayobami Owobu, Director Supermarket & Mart OPay, and Paul Iwunwa, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager OPay.

The Bigger Picture: Trust in Fintech's Fragile Future

OPay's legal battles are symptomatic of Nigeria's fintech boom and its pitfalls. With over 200 licensed mobile money operators, the sector has revolutionized financial inclusion, but issues like data breaches, regulatory hurdles, and user disputes threaten to undermine progress. As one X user noted in a debate over ethics, lawsuits loom large in mature markets like the US, but in Nigeria, power imbalances can exacerbate problems. https://x.com/adcnorth/status/1998657644068807148?s=46

For OPay, the path forward involves bolstering customer service, enhancing transparency, and perhaps investing in PR to counter narratives. Awards like "Most Trusted Digital Bank of the Year" at the 2025 Nigeria Technology Awards are a start, but real trust is earned through actions, not accolades.https://x.com/opay_ng/status/1998442330102116712?s=46

As users, staying informed is key. If you're affected by similar issues, document everything, contact OPay support, and consider legal advice. In Nigeria's evolving fintech scene, these lawsuits might just be the catalyst for stronger protections. What do you think—will OPay weather the storm, or is this the tip of the iceberg? Share your thoughts below!