Leading fintech company OPay has debunked a viral prophecy predicting its collapse in Nigeria, describing the claims as “false and misleading” and announcing plans to pursue legal action against the prophet responsible.
The controversy erupted after Prophet Aliyu Barnabas, founder of the Mercy and Grace Deliverance Ministry in Ukum, Benue State, released a video claiming that OPay would begin to experience operational problems from December 2025, leading to a complete collapse by January 2026.
In a swift response posted on X (formerly Twitter), OPay reassured its customers that the prophecy was baseless and that its operations remained stable and fully licensed by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
“Kindly be informed that the circulating video by Prophet Aliyu Barnabas is false and misleading,” OPay stated.
“Our legal team is taking action. OPay remains strong, licensed, and here to stay.”
The prophecy sparked concern among some Nigerians, particularly against the backdrop of previous financial scams and the collapse of fraudulent investment schemes. Recent incidents, such as the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) scandal where investors reportedly lost ₦1.3 trillion have made fintech users more cautious.
Despite these fears, OPay reiterated that it operates as a regulated and insured digital payment platform, not an investment or Ponzi scheme.
Prophet Barnabas, in his viral video, alleged that OPay is “demonic” and engaged in rituals. He claimed that users’ accounts would soon be affected, predicting that the app would begin asking for re-verification of details before shutting down completely. He also referenced his track record of “accurate predictions” to validate his prophecy.
OPay’s management dismissed the claims outright, stressing that its systems remain secure and its operations unaffected. The company has recorded consistent growth since its launch in August 2018, following the rebranding of Paycom Nigeria Limited after its acquisition by Opera in 2017. As of early 2024, OPay’s valuation was estimated between $2.7 billion and $3 billion.
This is not the first time the fintech firm has been targeted by doomsday prophecies. Between late 2023 and early 2024, similar predictions circulated online, prompting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to intervene and clarify that such reports were unfounded.
Today, OPay remains one of Nigeria’s leading financial technology platforms, competing with other major players such as Moniepoint, and continues to rank among the most downloaded fintech apps in the country.
Industry experts warn that viral prophecies and misinformation can trigger unnecessary panic in emerging digital economies, where public trust is essential. OPay’s swift response including its threat of legal action underscores its determination to safeguard both its reputation and the security of users’ funds.
The company also hinted at upcoming product launches, signalling its ongoing commitment to innovation and expansion in Nigeria’s fast-growing fintech sector.
Ultimately, this episode highlights the broader challenge facing fintech firms in Africa: navigating rapid growth amid public scepticism, misinformation, and the ripple effects of viral social media claims.
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