A Nigerian lawyer has sparked widespread reactions after addressing reports of loan apps obituary messages Nigeria, where digital lenders allegedly send defamatory messages — including fake obituary notices — to borrowers who default on repayment.
The issue, now trending online, raises serious legal and ethical concerns about the operations of some digital lending platforms regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Allegations of Harassment and Defamation
According to the lawyer, some loan apps resort to extreme tactics when borrowers fail to repay unsecured loans. These include sending messages to a borrower’s contacts falsely declaring them dead or portraying them in a damaging light.
The loan apps obituary messages Nigeria controversy has triggered outrage, with many Nigerians calling for stricter enforcement of regulations.
What the Law Says
Under Nigerian law, loans issued by digital platforms are typically classified as unsecured loans, meaning they are granted without collateral.
While lenders may charge higher interest rates due to the risk involved, they are not permitted to engage in harassment or defamation.
The lawyer emphasized that any act of falsely declaring a borrower dead or spreading damaging information could amount to defamation, which is punishable under the law.
Regulatory Oversight
The Central Bank of Nigeria has previously issued guidelines to regulate digital lending and protect consumers from abusive practices.
Licensed loan apps are expected to operate within these rules, and violations could attract penalties or legal action.
Legal Options for Victims
The lawyer advised affected individuals to:
Save evidence of any defamatory messages
Report the platform to regulatory authorities
Seek legal redress for damages
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