OPay has reacted to a viral prophecy predicting its collapse in Nigeria, swiftly dismissing the claims and threatening legal action against the prophet behind it. The controversy erupted after Prophet Aliyu Barnabas of Mercy and Grace Deliverance Ministry in Ukum, Benue State, released a video claiming that OPay would begin to experience issues from December 2025 and ultimately collapse by January 2026.
In response, OPay labeled the claims as “false and misleading” on X (formerly Twitter), urging customers to disregard the prophecy. The fintech giant emphasized that it is licensed by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and remains fully operational.
“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.”
Some users were alarmed by the prognosis, especially in light of recent high-profile Ponzi schemes in Nigeria. Fintech platforms have become more sensitive due to reports of enormous losses, such as the collapse of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), where Nigerians reportedly lost ₦1.3 trillion. Although the corporation reiterated that OPay is a regulated and insured digital payment network, some social media users even conjectured that it was a Ponzi scam.
Prophet Barnabas’ viral video claimed that OPay is “demonic” and involved in rituals. He warned that users’ accounts would be affected, with the app eventually asking for re-verification of details and later closing completely. The prophet also cited his history of accurate predictions as proof of his credibility.
However, OPay’s leadership clarified that the app is not an investment platform and its operations remain secure. The company’s history shows steady growth since its launch in Nigeria in August 2018, following the rebranding from 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 OPay has faced such predictions. In late 2023 and early 2024, other prophecies claimed the platform would crash, with some contradicting each other. On one occasion, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervened, clarifying that such reports were false. OPay has also been among the top fintech apps in Nigeria, alongside Moniepoint, highlighting its widespread adoption despite recurring rumors.
Industry analysts note that viral prophecies can cause unnecessary panic, particularly in emerging fintech markets where trust is critical. OPay’s proactive response, including legal action, aims to protect both its reputation and the security of users’ funds. The company also hinted at new product launches, reinforcing that it remains focused on growth and innovation despite the circulating rumors.
At the end of the day, this saga underscores the challenges fintech companies face in Nigeria, balancing rapid growth with public perception, misinformation, and the potential impact of viral claims on user confidence.
