Dr. Paul Enenche Cautions Nigerians Against Online Loan Apps, Labels Them “Agents of the Devil”

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians over the rising patronage of online loan platforms, describing them as “agents of the devil in covenant with the spirit of debt.”

Speaking during the Sunday service at the church’s headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Enenche expressed deep concern over the disturbing trend of financial exploitation, emotional trauma, and depression linked to the activities of these loan providers.

Online Loan Apps Under Fire

According to him, the proliferation of digital lending platforms has brought untold hardship to many Nigerians who, in their bid to meet urgent financial needs, fall victim to the predatory tactics of these lenders.

“Many people have been deceived by the promise of quick financial relief. But once they fall into the trap, they are subjected to harassment, intimidation, and embarrassment that sometimes push them into depression or even suicide,” Enenche lamented.

He highlighted the plight of borrowers who, after obtaining loans, are bombarded with threatening calls, derogatory messages, and in extreme cases, public humiliation orchestrated by the lenders.

“Some of these platforms even go as far as publishing defamatory statements and fake obituaries online to disgrace debtors,” he added, pointing to the growing mental health crisis triggered by the aggressive debt recovery methods of some operators.

Spiritual and Moral Warning

Dr. Enenche went further to caution Christians against seeking financial shortcuts through questionable means, warning that such actions carry spiritual implications.

“These things are demonic covenants with debt, and no child of God should have anything to do with them,” he declared, urging the faithful to embrace financial discipline, savings culture, and legitimate means of earning a livelihood.

Public Outcry and Regulatory Concerns

Akahi News gathered that this warning comes amid increasing calls for tighter regulation of online loan apps in Nigeria. Several digital lending platforms have faced heavy criticism for breaching privacy laws and deploying extreme measures to recover loans, including contacting borrowers’ friends and family members with defamatory messages.

In recent years, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has clamped down on some operators for violating data protection rules and operating without proper licences. However, many platforms continue to operate in defiance of regulations, exploiting the financial vulnerability of Nigerians.

Growing Mental Health Impact

Mental health experts have repeatedly warned that the emotional toll of loan harassment is contributing to rising cases of anxiety, depression, and even suicide in the country. Human rights activists have also called for stronger legal frameworks to protect citizens from predatory lending practices.

Dr. Enenche’s warning, therefore, resonates with growing public sentiment that urgent action is needed to safeguard the financial and psychological well-being of Nigerians.

Call for Financial Literacy

The clergyman urged the government, faith leaders, and civil society organisations to invest more in financial literacy campaigns to educate Nigerians about the dangers of unregulated online loans and the importance of responsible borrowing.

“Let’s teach our people how to plan, save, and invest wisely rather than falling for the deceptive promises of quick money,” he said.

As the debate over digital lending platforms intensifies, Dr. Enenche’s cautionary message serves as both a spiritual and practical reminder that financial shortcuts often come at a heavy price.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org