A Nigerian lawyer has offered crucial advice to citizens who face harassment from loan apps when demanding repayment. The legal expert shared insights on what many borrowers do not know about these apps and how to respond instead of living in fear.
Legal Perspective on Loan App Harassment
The lawyer stated: "You took a loan from an app, now you are living in fear? Read this. Let me speak to you as a lawyer, not to scare you but to wake you up. That loan app that is threatening you, calling your contacts, and sending messages to people in your phone. Ask yourself one question: Are they even operating legally?"
She emphasized that many so-called loan companies are not licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Without a license, they lack proper structure and accountability, yet they act as if they own your life. When payment is delayed, they resort to threats, harassment, public embarrassment, and psychological pressure.
Understanding Your Rights
The lawyer explained that fear is their biggest weapon, not the law. In legal terms, you cannot enforce rights when operating outside the law, and you cannot come to court with dirty hands expecting protection. If a loan app is not properly licensed, its legal standing is questionable, outrageous interest charges become problematic, and threats are mostly empty intimidation tactics.
"Let me shock you a little: that app shouting that they will arrest you, block your BVN, or destroy your credit forever—most times they cannot legally do any of that. What they rely on is simple: your ignorance plus your fear. The moment you understand your rights, their power reduces instantly," she added.
Responsible Borrowing and Legal Action
The lawyer clarified that this advice is not an excuse to avoid genuine debt. If you borrowed money, you should repay. However, do not allow intimidation to silence you. If they want to pursue legal action, they must identify themselves, show their license, and prove they operate within the law—which many try to avoid.
She encouraged borrowers to ask questions instead of panicking when faced with threats. The post sparked reactions from many who shared similar experiences. The article originally appeared on Legit.ng, authored by Victoria Nwahiri, an award-winning Reuters-certified journalist with over five years of experience in digital and print journalism.
