A Point of Sale (POS) operator, Ijeoma Osakwe, has accused digital bank OPay of unlawfully restricting access to her business account, leaving her unable to operate or withdraw her funds.
Speaking with FIJ on Tuesday, Osakwe said she first discovered the restriction on her account on September 16, 2025, and immediately visited OPay’s office in GRA, Port Harcourt, to lodge a complaint.
“While at the office, one of OPay’s officials confirmed that the restriction had been placed on my account but could not give a specific reason,” Osakwe said. “I was later told there were some irregularities and advised to swear an affidavit to validate the information I provided when opening the account.”
She explained that she complied with the directive, obtained the affidavit, and submitted it to the same OPay branch on October 2, but the restriction has not been lifted.
“The account remains frozen, and I have ₦54,000 in it,” she said. “OPay has refused to give me a clear reason for the continued restriction, effectively locking me out of my business.”
OPay Responds
When contacted for comments, Akinshola Oluwatimileyin of OPay’s customer care unit told FIJ that the account was frozen “due to a fictitious wallet issue,” adding that the measure prevents Osakwe from sending or receiving funds.
Customer Denies Claim
Reacting to OPay’s explanation, Osakwe rejected the allegation of operating a fictitious wallet, describing it as an afterthought.
“The claim that I run a fictitious wallet is false,” she said. “I have visited their office several times, and no official ever mentioned such an issue until now. Why is OPay coming up with this excuse only after I went public with my complaint?”
As of press time, the account reportedly remains frozen, leaving the POS operator unable to access her ₦54,000 balance or continue business operations.