A Nigerian lawyer has shared advice for people who borrow money from loan apps and later find themselves subjected to tactics such as having their photos circulated, their contacts messaged, their family members called, or even fake obituary posts created about them.
The legal practitioner made the remarks in a recent video posted on her page, stressing that she was not encouraging people to obtain loans irresponsibly or refuse to repay what they owe. She maintained, however, that using harassment as a debt recovery method is against the law.
In the video, @msadedoyin__ said she had noticed a disturbing trend in which some loan apps allegedly publish debtors’ photos as obituaries while also reaching out to their relatives and people in their contact lists.
She explained: “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.”
“Owing a loan is not a crime in Nigeria. If a loan app does that, they’re the ones breaking the law. That’s defamation, harassment and even data privacy violation. I’m not saying you shouldn’t pay your debt though, but don’t accept intimidation.”
According to the lawyer, anyone subjected to such treatment has the right to report the loan app to the appropriate authorities and pursue legal action for damages.
Her statement in the TikTok video: “You can report them and even sue them for damages because, as far as I know, debt is not a crime, but harassment is.”
Watch the video below
@msadedoyin__ Imagine owing a loan app and the next thing, they post your obituary like your family has buried you. That’s not recovery. That’s intimidation. That’s harassment. That’s illegal. Debt does NOT give anyone the right to destroy your reputation or traumatize your family. If a loan app is posting your obituary, they’re not smart… they’re setting themselves up. Because this is how lawsuits start. Owe money? Pay it. But don’t let anyone bully you into silence. #DebtRecovery #LoanApps #LoanAppAbuse #fyp #goviral ♬ original sound – Msadedoyin❤️let’s talk legal
Here are some reactions frlm netizens to the Lawyer’s advise:
Ermdort stressed: “Can you help take over a case regarding loan app operating illegally in the country exploiting both customers and it’s 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.”
Colombia_mashood added: “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.”
