A Nigerian prophet, Aliyu Barnabas of Mercy and Grace Deliverance Ministry in Ukum, Benue State, has stirred controversy after predicting the sudden collapse of OPay, a popular mobile banking platform.
In a viral video, the cleric claimed OPay operates as a ritual scheme and warned users that their funds might disappear between December 2025 and January 2026.
The prophecy, which has spread rapidly on social media since October 27, has caused unease among users, with some expressing fear over the safety of their deposits.
In the clip, the prophet alleged that customers would soon wake up to find their money gone, citing spiritual reasons behind the prediction.
His statement has since fueled heated debates online, with Nigerians divided over whether the prophecy was a divine warning or another baseless claim targeting financial institutions.
Mixed reactions as users demand clarification
Following the viral prophecy, reactions on social media have been intense. Some Nigerians said they were considering withdrawing their funds from OPay, while others dismissed the message as an attempt to spread fear.
Many users urged OPay to issue a public statement to avoid panic withdrawals and protect customer confidence. One user wrote, “Opay needs to come and address this ASAP. Nigerians are religious people and they take messages from the church and the mosque very seriously.”
Meanwhile, several fintech experts and industry commentators have criticized the claim, calling it misleading and harmful to digital banking progress in Nigeria.
OPay remains silent amid renewed scrutiny
The company remains regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) up to ₦500,000 per user.
OPay, one of Nigeria’s largest fintech firms, has previously faced false claims about its operations, which were swiftly debunked. They argue that the platform’s NDIC insurance provides a strong safeguard against any potential fund loss.
Financial experts have advised customers to rely on verified information and regulatory assurances rather than unverified prophecies spreading online.
Watch the video below…
“Opay Bank is about to close. One day they will tell you that the bank is having technical issues, from there they will close operating. It’s going to happen between this December to January next year.
—Pastor says pic.twitter.com/MtndzZInVU
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) October 27, 2025