A Nigerian lawyer, S.O. Folagboye, has clarified whether individuals who owe money to online loan apps can be prevented from travelling outside the country.
Speaking in a video posted on social media, the legal practitioner responded to widespread concerns among Nigerians about the possibility of being stopped from leaving the country because of unpaid debts owed to loan apps.
Lawyer addresses loan app users’ fears
A common belief among many Nigerians is that immigration officials can stop them at the airport if they have outstanding debts with digital loan providers.
Addressing the issue, Folagboye explained that a loan app has no legal authority to independently place a travel restriction on anyone or instruct the Nigeria Immigration Service to prevent a debtor from departing the country.
He stressed that recovering unpaid loans is a civil matter, not a criminal offence.
Referring to the constitutional guarantee of freedom of movement, he reassured Nigerians who intend to travel or relocate that unpaid loan app debts do not automatically affect that right.
In his words: “The constitution protects your right to move freely throughout Nigeria and to leave Nigeria. Section 41 subsection 1 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), provides that every citizen is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and that no citizen shall be refused entry into or exit from Nigeria except as permitted by law.”
Legal basis for travel rights
To reinforce his position, the lawyer also cited established legal authorities, noting that debt recovery must be carried out within the limits of the law and should never become a tool for unlawful intimidation or harassment.
Folagboye said: “In the case of McLaren versus Jennings, the court of appeal emphasized that debt recovery should not be turned into a means of harassment or criminal intimidation. So, unless there is a court order or another lawful basis recognized by law, owing a loan app does not automatically take away your constitutional right to travel abroad.”
Watch the video belowÂ
@s.o.folagboye A loan app cannot simply place a travel ban on you because you owe a debt. #viral #fyp #loan #lawyer #law ♬ original sound – S.O. Folagboye, Esq.
How netizens reacted to the lawyer’s claims on travel ban:
Loansharkreview said: “Thank you, sir.”
MAYOR WORLDWIDE said: “You’re giving us joy and rest of mind.”
CHIEF OWOIYA said: “Thanks for enlightenment, sir.”
