A Nigerian lawyer has advised citizens on how to respond when loan applications post their pictures, contact their family members, or even publish obituaries in an attempt to recover debts. The lawyer, identified as @msadedoyin__ on TikTok, emphasized that while repaying loans is important, harassment by loan apps is illegal and actionable.
Loan App Harassment Is Illegal, Says Lawyer
In a video shared on her TikTok page, the lawyer stated that she is not encouraging people to take loans or avoid repayment. However, she stressed that it is against the law for loan apps to harass individuals simply because they owe money. She noted that some loan apps have recently been posting pictures of debtors as obituaries, calling their contacts, and messaging family members.
"So I'm hearing that in 2026, loan apps are posting people's obituaries over debt. That's so bold of them and very illegal too. They start calling your contacts, messaging your family, posting you like you're a criminal, even editing your picture like you're dead," she said in the video.
Debt Is Not a Crime in Nigeria
The lawyer explained that owing a loan is not a criminal offense in Nigeria. She described the actions of loan apps as defamation, harassment, and a violation of data privacy. "I'm not saying you shouldn't pay your debt though, but don't accept intimidation," she added.
She advised debtors who experience such treatment to report the loan app and sue for damages. "You can report them and even sue them for damages because, as far as I know, debt is not a crime, but harassment is," she stated.
Reactions From Social Media Users
The lawyer's comments sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Many users shared their own experiences with loan app harassment. Vivi world commented, "Omoh dem call my contact come Dey send picture say I get accident." Colombia_mashood asked, "Pls how can I sued LendSafe by sending treating messages to my contacts." Kay_Kay wrote, "When you have a stupid government, what do you expect." Ermdort requested, "Can you help take over a case regarding loan app operating illegally in the country exploiting both customers and its workers." Debbie shared, "I paid Palmpay, even paid 2 days overdue charges and they still posted me, I am going to petition them." JoyofCrown noted, "I am a living witness after paying less than 15k not up to a week default, the messages and calling and chat so overwhelming. my photo was edited as k**ller....I just look for the money and reported to my lawyer. please kindly stay away from them." Phunmex added, "I borrowed 16 to pay 25k in just 7 day I can’t on that due date the second day they start port my obituary posting me as wanted even laying curse on my children after paying the money on the 8 days after that day they call me that I still have to pay 2,700 I told them that my not owning they continue with those text messages again cursing and my children today again they called my money am owning them is now 3,thousand plus." Anita Agu noted, "Thank you Ma, they have been treating me." Nwanyi Abacha of Jos wrote, "2022 dem post me, never borrowing again." Bumie stressed, "God bless you Barrister." SUAREZ noted, "Good one my sister. God bless you." Ava shared, "How can I sue them o. please help me." Se?nat added, "My problem is why can’t they follow cbn policy? The interest is too much." inspireloop5 noted, "My situation now and I have paid half just 3 days." Nighman said, "Barrister, can you slow down, so we can hear you."
Legal Recourse for Loan App Harassment
The lawyer's advice aligns with Nigerian laws on data privacy and harassment. Under the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), unauthorized disclosure of personal data is a violation. Additionally, the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 criminalizes harassment through electronic means. Debtors can file complaints with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) or seek legal redress in court.
In a related story, a Nigerian lady went viral after showing the total amount she owed a loan app, revealing that unpaid loans had grown significantly after missing repayment deadlines. Another lawyer previously shared how to respond when loan apps harass or threaten borrowers, advising them to know their rights and repay genuine debts through proper legal processes.
